Introducing "Beauty Buzz Sessions" to Miss Natty's Beauty Diary!

A new feature will be added to my blog, called "Beauty Buzz Sessions".

A Buzz Session is basically a discussion of a given topic among a small (although it doesn't have to be small) group of people. Considering there are many of you that visit daily, I thought that adding a feature allowing us to better interact with each other (readers with other readers, and readers with me) would be a great tool to get to know one another a little better by hearing your thoughts/feelings on certain topics!

Of course because this is a Beauty Blog, the topics will tie into beauty - but I'm using "beauty" as a very general term, as the topics aren't going to just be simply about makeup, etc. I'd like to also address some personal feelings into these topics that pertains to many of us, but we all don't necessarily talk about. I strongly believe that when your thoughts and feelings are set free, especially to those who understand, it provides us with self-empowerment, something that each of us can only benefit from. I mean, we're all here because we share some of the same passions/interests, right!? There will also be fun topics here and there!

Discussion is highly encouraged and appreciated! I'd love for everyone to participate if the topic is something you have an opinion about. If you're neutral on the topic and don't have any particular thoughts, it's no biggie. I'll toss in a poll at the end of the post where you'll be able to provide quick feedback - if you want to, that is!

I'll be organizing the first Beauty Buzz Session within the next few days, but I wanted to let you know beforehand, and I'm hoping some of you will participate!

As a little bonus, I will put together a giveaway containing some of my favorite beauty products to each Beauty Buzz Session. Each of those who responded by the given time frame (because for any giveaway there has to be a beginning and end date) will be entered in the drawing, and the winner will be picked by random. The discussion will of course always remain open. It's my personal thank you for participating!

Talk to you soon!

Natty

MAC Crew Highlight Powder Review, Photos & Swatches!

MAC Crew Highlight Powder

MAC Crew Highlight Powder ($29) is a highlighting powder/blush that is made of three shades - a soft peach, pale purple and soft, warm (yellow toned) pink. The light beige surrounding color is just an overspray that will erase with several uses. This product launched in MAC's latest Hey, Sailor! Collection and is only around for a limited time. 

I originally didn't find this powder too appealing - that is, until I swatched it in the MAC store. It might look a little ordinary in the compact, but once the colors unite together, a gorgeous, luminous warm pink with a soft, glowy sheen is created. 

After swatching several different blushes in my collection, the closest match I could find is Chanel Blush Horizon Soft Glow Blush (which also just so happens to be a limited edition product from this past Spring), nothing else I own came as close. Both products combine warm pink, peach and purple, and when mixed together, create a similar result. The color of Chanel is slightly darker, a touch more vibrant and contains more iridescence. I love the Chanel blush so much, so it's exciting to find a close dupe.

NYX Nude Peach Mega Shine Lip Gloss Review! Love this gloss!

NYX Nude Peach Mega Shine Lip Gloss

NYX Mega Shine Lip Glosses ($5.49) are ultra creamy lipglosses that deliver loads of color and shine. There is zero stickiness, and the formula doesn't leave your lips begging for hydration. You'll be sure to find a color you like, as there are 50 shades to choose from! 

I've owned a few of these glosses in the past, with the shade 'Smokey Look' being one of my favorites. Well, I've found a new favorite, and that is a little gem by the name of 'Nude Peach'.

Nude Peach is a vibrant melon pink with subtle shimmer. If you like warm pinks and pinky-corals, there's no doubt in my mind that you won't like this gloss. It's especially nice on warm and tan skintones. When I'm tan, I always opt for shades like this. When I'm a bit lighter, I gravitate towards slightly cooler pinks.

I like wearing this lipgloss alone, or layered on top of any pink lipstick. I like wearing it over MAC Viva Glam Nicki, Shygirl or Creme Cup. It adds a little vibrancy to the color.

NYX Nude Peach Mega Shine Lip Gloss on my lips

Revlon Colorstay Creme Gel Eyeliner Liner Review!

Revlon Colorstay Creme Gel Eye Liner

Revlon Colorstay Creme Gel Eye Liner ($10) is a bold, waterproof and smudge-proof gel/cream eye liner. It's a part of the Revlon "Colorstay" line, so it's also long-lasting. When you pull the applicator up, a mini brush pops out for convenient use.

Available in four (4) shades: Black, Charcoal, Brown and Plum.

Charcoal is a soft black with silver iridescence. A nice choice if you want a black liner that isn't as harsh as black.

The brush design isn't exactly the best - it works, but I think a standard angled brush would've probably been more useful. I'm still able to control how thick I want the line, as well as create a good wing. The only thing that's kind of annoying is when the product dries in the brush, it hardens up a bit, making application less easy. Every few uses I have to clean the brush, and because of the waterproof formula, it isn't the easiest brush to clean with regular hand soap. I usually use Dish Soap as it breaks up the oil pretty well, or eye makeup remover. Olive oil even works, followed with any soap.

(lined my top lid with Charcoal)

Givenchy Siena Silhouette Le Prisme Eyeshadow Quartet Review!

Givenchy Siena Silhouette Le Prisme Eyeshadow Quartet

Givenchy Le Prisme Eyeshadow Quartets ($57) are extremely soft, finely milled eyeshadow quads with rich color payoff and long-lasting power.

The Givenchy Quartlers are available in seven (7) shades: Blue Collection, Khaki Egerie, Midnight Look, Pastel Model, Purple Show, Siena Silhouette and Bucolic Blossoms.

Siena Silhouette is the only palette in the selection containing shades of brown, and any palette that can give me a full, warm brown eye look without using any additional products is pure bliss for me. Sienna Silhouette contains a deep, ash brown, medium milk chocolate brown, light peach and a shimmering golden champagne. The shimmering golden champagne color contains the most shimmer, while the others have a subtle iridescence.

Stila Gerbera Convertible Color Review!

Stila Gerbera Convertible Color

Stila Convertible Color ($25) is an award winning lipstick and blush all-in-one. Although it can be used as a lipstick, it's best used as a blush. The pigmented cream adds instant color and fresh radiance to the cheeks that will last for hours.

It's available in nine (9) shades: Gerbera, Gladiola, Lillium, Petunia, Peony, Camellia, Rose, Fuschia and Poppy. Although Lillium (dusty pale pink) is a popular choice, Gerbera looked like my perfect color.

Gerbera is a light, warm peachy-pink. Once applied, the color really comes alive and has a sense of vibrancy on the cheeks. On my skin, the color doesn't pull orange, so for those looking for a peach with rather pink tones as opposed to orange, this might be for you. It'd also work as a great base for a warm pink, peach or coral powder blush. On my lips, it actually looks similar to YSL Tender Peach Rouge Volupte Lipstick (but slightly lighter - one of my favorites!)

Eucerin Giveaway Winners Announced and a Thank You!

 

First off, I'd like to apologize for my absence lately - I've been busy, busy, busy, so I should be back to my regular schedule after this week. (My birthday is Saturday - yay!)

Secondly, I'd like to mention that I received some e-mails last week that were sent through my contact form on my 'contact me' page, but no e-mail address was provided for any of the messages, so unfortunately, I couldn't respond to them. If you sent me a message through my contact form and didn't get a response, please send me a message letting me know (you don't have to type the whole message over again). I am now using a new contact form where it is mandatory to provide a return e-mail address. I apologize for any confusion!

As for the giveaway, I'd like to thank all of those that entered. I am so appreciative of all of the feedback I received, and it was incredibly helpful! I'm in the process of changing things up a bit so you can navigate my blog easier, become a little more involved and provide the content you are the most interested in! As always, thank you for all of your support and your kind words! You guys are the best!

All qualifying entries were counted (there were a few after the deadline) and the winners were chosen using random.org.

-AIDA
-Maureen 
-Urban Bedou Girl

All three e-mails were provided, so I will e-mailing each of you shortly! 

Thank you again for entering, and there will be more giveaways very soon!

Final Day to Enter my Eucerin Giveaway! Please Enter!

Final Day!

Today is the final day to enter my Eucerin Giveaway, so make sure to enter if you haven't already!

There will be three (3) winners chosen, and each will receive both products shown below. 

Entering is easy, all you have to do is leave a comment on this, or the actual giveaway post letting me know what you'd like to see more on this blog. Any of your feedback/suggestions will be very helpful to me! 

Thank you so much!

*You have until 11:59 PM CST to enter. 

Make Up For Ever #139 Eyeshadow Review, Photos and Swatches!

Make Up For Ever #139 Eyeshadow

Make Up For Ever Eyeshadow ($20) are high-intense powder shadows that come in a huge variety of shades (over 100) and finishes (matte, semi-matte and iridescent). Some of the brighter shades can even be used as a blush.

The eyeshadows are cased in small, slim black plastic compacts (no mirror) and are very lightweight and great for travel. They are a bit flimsy, and dare I say cheap, but as they are a pro makeup artist brand, they are meant to be placed in palettes. The Make Up For Ever Eyeshadow Palette holds ten eyeshadows.

Everytime I go to Sephora I have a "routine" of the brands I'll visit, and I always stop by Make Up For Ever. I've tried many of their products through the past five years, but I never actually purchased any of their shadows. I always thought they were a bit expensive, so I would purchase MAC as an alternative. For reference,  MUFE shadows actually contain a bit more product than MAC (MAC - 0.05 oz, MUFE 0.08 oz) not that it's hugely significant.

I'm typically drawn to all shades of brown, and shades that are versatile and can be worn often. #139 is described on the website as a Iridescent Brown Black. I would describe it as a neutral, dark brown with a satiny/matte finish.

MUFE #139 on my eyes

Lancome Artliner Precision Point EyeLiner in Brown Review!

Lancome Artliner Precision Point EyeLiner

Lancome Artliner ($29.50) is a product I've been curious to try for the past few years. Many have dubbed this liner pen as their favorite liquid liner, and with it's relatively high ratings, one can only wonder what the fuss is all about.

I use to be a liquid liner on the upper lid and kohl pencil on the waterline type of girl, but after realizing that just about every pencil irritates my eyes, I actually gave up wearing both and resorting to gel/cream liners and deep, dark eyeshadows (used as liner) for the past few years. MAC Liquidlast Liner was my Holy Grail liquid liner for several years (it still remains a favorite), and only recently have I started reaching for the liquid after I developed a little love relationship with Physician's Formula Eye Booster (it's just quick and easy). So I felt like it was time to give in to the Artliner, after several occasions of swatching it on my hand on my frequent trips to Sephora.

It's basically a liquid liner pen that offers dramatic color and precise product product placement that is said to last all day. Many love this liner for it's ease-of-use, smooth application and long wear-time.

There are seven (7) shades to choose from: Noir, Ice Black, Smoke, Brown, Navy, Forest and Aubergine. Naturally, I would have gotten black, but I opted for brown, for a softer look.

Wearing Lancome Artliner in Brown 

(list of products I'm wearing are at the end of the post)

Essence My Favorite Milkshake Stay with Me Lipgloss Review!

Essence My Favorite Milkshake Stay with Me Lipgloss

The Essence Stay With Me Lipglosses ($2.29 each, Ulta) are a small range of color-intense lipglosses, that leave your lips with creamy, long lasting color - and no sticky trail behind!

There are currently six (6) shades to choose from: Me & My Ice Cream, My Favorite Milkshake, Candy Bar, Kiss Kiss Kiss, Deep Rose and Hottest Pink.

I already own and have re-purchased the shade Me & My Ice Cream on a couple occasions, and when I spotted My Favorite Milkshake, it looked like a perfect natural lip color I can wear for on-the-go.

My Favorite Milkshake is a light, warm, natural pink with medium opacity. I think it's a shade that can work on just about anyone. Despite it being "warm", it's not overly warm and doesn't look yellow or orange on my lips when my skin is lighter. When I'm tan, this color still works perfectly, without washing me out like some pale pinks tend to do. It actually brightens my face up a little bit!

The consistency is a bit thick, but surprisingly moisturizing (kind of like a thick balm) and isn't sticky. The only lipgloss formula that's similar that comes to mind is MAC Cremesheen Glass, or MAC Lipglass without the stickiness. Because of it's thicker texture, the wear time is pretty good with these, but because this shade in particular is pretty light, the color sheers out after a while of wear.

My Favorite Milkshake on my lips

Bonne Belle Strawberry Parfait Lip Lites Lipgloss Review!

Bonne Belle Strawberry Parfait Lip Lites Lipgloss

You all know me by now, and I love finding a good makeup bargain. I'm not one that really likes to invest in a pricey lipgloss - as I always feel like I could find something similar at the drugstore for less than half of the price.

Take Bonne Belle Lip Lites in Strawberry Parfait ($3) for instance. A light, creamy, bubble-gum pink that is said to be a close duplicate for the ever-popular Nars Turkish Delight Lipgloss ($24). Both lipglosses will pretty much give the same effect to the lips, but Bonnie Belle costs 1/8th of the price of Nars at a mere $3 per tube.

The formula is creamy, non-sticky and feels great on the lips. The color pay-off is pretty good for a gloss - a couple of layers will give you that baby pink pout that everyone loves.

Bonne Belle Strawberry Parfait Lipgloss on my lips

Nars Belle De Jour Lipstick Review, Photos and Swatches!

Nars Belle De Jour Lipstick

Nars Belle De Jour Lipstick ($24) was one of my older favorites that has been sadly neglected in exchange for new and flashier colors. If you're a lover of nude lipstick, you may have been acquainted with this shade before, but for those who haven't, let me introduce you two.

Belle De Jour is a sheer, nude beige with warm undertones. It's the particular nude that had many running to stores to purchase a tube after Kim Kardashian mentioned it was her favorite nude lipstick in an interview a few years back.

I have many nude lipsticks, but not all of them are flattering on me. I think one of the main keys to wearing nude lipstick (aside from finding the right nude for your skintone) is finding a shade and formula that isn't going to erase your lips, but slightly lighten them a couple of shades. I know we all love pigment in the makeup world, but when it comes to wearing a lipstick shade that's lighter than your lips, lots of pigmentation can lead to a very unflattering result. (Hey, Is that milkshake on your lips?)

A Subtle Nude

I love that Belle De Jour isn't your average chalky nude. It doesn't make me look ill or washed out. It's funny how your coloring really plays a factor in the way certain colors appear. Without a tan (NC15-20), this color looks too orange on my lips - pinker nudes work better on my lighter skin. When I'm NC30-40, the pinky beige tones come out more, and I like it so much more.

Here it is applied on my lips. I applied a few coats to show the color better, but normally I'd wear one sheer coat.

Becca Nefertiti Pressed Shimmer Powder Review!

Becca Nefertiti Pressed Shimmer Powder

I have another Becca product to talk about today! Boy, the month of May seems like a Becca Extravaganza. I apologize for those that haven’t found much interest in the brand.

I’ve been very curious lately in exploring the different products the brand has to offer, and stumbled upon the Becca Pressed Shimmer Powders ($38).

The Becca Pressed Shimmer Powders are available in eight (8) shades: Hyawatha (silvery beige), Athena (golden bronze), Angel (pale silvery pink), Gypsy (bright golden pink), Odette (golden peach pink), Nymph (porcelain white), Princess (golden rose) and Nefertiti (golden pink).

Is it a Blush or a Highlighter?

These finely milled, shimmering powders are actually considered a “multi-use” product that can be used as either one – depending on the shade, that is. Some are better suited as a highlight shade for the cheeks, brow-bone and eyes, whilst the colorful ones would work great as a light blush. If you don’t want to wear them alone, you can lightly layer them on top of your blush for added dimension, color and glow.

I have Nefertiti, which is described as a golden pink. It’s an accurate description, as the base appears to be a neutral, dusty pink cascading with golden shimmer that provides a candlelit glow, rather than a tasteless inclusion of gritty glitter or abundance of metallic frost. When pink and gold collide, typically in a blush with a pink base and gold shimmer, it gives the illusion of a vibrant peach with pink undertones. But because the pink is so neutral, it doesn’t have the bright pink-coral effect of Nars Orgasm (or similar shades). I'd say it's a bit similar to MAC Honey Rose Magically Cool Liquid Powder, but less shimmery with a slightly deeper pink tone.

Haionic Super Lightweight Blow Dryer Review!

Haionic Super Lightweight Hair Dryer

Truth: I have never owned a blow-dryer that costs over $30.

Why? Well, I always figured that blow-driers simply don’t mix well with the texture of my hair, so I never felt like I had to invest in a good one. I also didn’t want to use additional heat on my hair. Considering I use heat on my hair on a regular basis (curling iron and flat iron), I try to limit the amount of heat on my hair as much as I can. So, I resort to washing my hair at night, letting it air dry and styling it the following morning. It works fine for me, but on days where I didn’t have time to wash my hair at night, I have to suffer the consequences of having to spend hours on my hair in the morning – between the blow-dryer and flat iron.

*To clarify: There is nothing wrong with not shoveling out the big bucks for pricey styling tools. Expensive doesn’t always equal better. With that said, by no means am I putting down the less expensive brands or trying to encourage you to invest in a product you may not need. We all have different hair needs, so what may work perfectly for you may not work for me, and vise versa. None of the blow-driers I’ve used worked well for me (granted I haven’t tried them all), but they may work wonderfully for others!

Let me tell you a little bit about my hair. It’s long (below the chest), thick, curly (not tight curls, though –more along the lines of wavy) and fine. I shed more than a golden retriever and God help me if I ever let my hair air dry and then go in public.

Since we’re getting all comfy here, let me tell you another truth. The reason I avoid hair salons at all costs is because I cannot stand how long it takes them to blow dry my hair. Honest to God, I feel so bad every time I’ve gone to a salon (the small handful of times in the past 10 years) and the hair stylist can barely hold her arms up anymore with her round brush, tugging through my thick-ass-hair. My Mom went through the same torture doing my hair in the mornings when I was growing up, and when the blow drier was involved, the result was usually a frizzy mess. I use to go through Johnson’s detangler like nobody’s business, and a comb? Sure, buddy. Once those went in, they didn’t come back out. But hey, I’m not complaining. I love my difficult hair!

The Blow Dryer that Changed my Outlook on At-Home Blowouts

I recently got my hands on a Hai HAIonic Super Lightweight Dryer from Folica.com. I’ve been using it about 2-3 times per week and quickly came to my first realization that hey, they don't all dry out and burn my hair!

The HAIonic Super Lightweight Dryer comes with a bunch of different features, and is said to actually improve the condition of your hair. It uses negative ion technology, which helps seal moisture in your hair, protecting it from heat damage and making it feel soft and shiny. The body is lightweight with a motor that’s less noisy than it’s competitors, and it’s easy to clean with a flip-open vent.

My Everyday Face Routine.

My Everyday Face Routine

This post isn't really supposed to be hugely informative, but I thought it would be a fun post to quickly go through my typical day makeup. My routine is never really "solid" as I change up products from day to day, otherwise I'd never get through any of my products.

On a daily basis I keep my eyes very simple. The colors always change, but what stays the same is that I always apply MAC Brule all over my lids as a base and smudge color across my top and bottom lashline, followed with lots of mascara.

Products Used (in order used)
MAC Pro Longwear Concealer in NC20
Hard Candy Glamoflauge Concealer in Medium
Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation in Tawny (applied with Real Techniques Stippling Brush)
MAC Eyebrows Retractable Pencil in Spiked
Spoolie Tool
Guerlain Meteorites Powder (applied with a Sigma F30 Large Powder Brush)
Becca Flamenco Bronzing Powder (applied with Coastal Scents Destiny Kabuki on a Stick Brush)
MAC Honey Rose Magically Cool Liquid Powder (applied with Kirkland Stippling Brush)
Nars Dolce Vita Blush (applied with Kirkland Stippling Brush)
MAC Brule, Club and Nehru Eyeshadows
Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
Shiseido Nourishing Mascara Base
Covergirl Lash Blast Fusion Mascara
MAC Viva Glam Nicki Lipstick
NYX Nude Peach Mega Shine Lipgloss

I'll be doing individual posts on application technique (how to apply concealer, blush, bronzer, etc) because I'd like to explain in detail, rather than briefly in a quick tutorial.

Eucerin Daily Protection GIVEAWAY!

EUCERIN GIVEAWAY!

These products may look a little familiar, as I recently mentioned them in my recent sun-care post. They are the Eucerin Daily Protection Moisturizing Body Lotion with SPF 15 and the Daily Protection Moisturizing Face Lotion with SPF 30. I've been using both products (especially the face lotion) to keep my skin hydrated, as well as providing my skin with adequate sunscreen to prevent any sun damage - I already have enough sun spots on my face, and I'm not interested in having any additional ones! 

Well, the kind people over at Eucerin wanted to make sure all of you are prepped this Summer with the proper tools to protect your skin and are providing three of my readers with both products!

The Prize:

• One (1) Eucerin Daily Protection Moisturizing Body Lotion with SPF 15 (13.5 oz)
• One (1) Eucerin Daily Protection Moisturizing Face Lotion with SPF 30 (4 oz)

How to Enter:

• Entering is easy peasy. Just post a comment stating what you'd like to see more on this blog! I'd really appreciate any feedback/suggestions any of you may have for new content and ideas. If this question just plain stumps you, you can simply just write the first thought that comes to your head (L'eggo my eggo?), or, "enter me". 

Terms and Conditions:

• You must be subscribed to my blog, as this giveaway is exclusively for readers of 'Miss Natty's Beauty Diary'. (To clarify: If you don't have a Google Account, you can be subscribed to my RSS Feed, Twitter, FB, Bloglovin - any of those!)
• There is one (1) entry allowed per person.
• Entrants must have a valid e-mail address so they can be contacted once their name has been drawn.
• The giveaway is open to US Residents 18 years and older only.
• The deadline to enter is Sunday, May 27th at 11:59PM (CST).

Three (3) winners will be selected using Random.org, and will be announced within 48 hours of the deadline.

Thank you for entering!

Milani Liquif'eye Metallic Eye Liner Pencil Review!

Milani Liquif’eye Eye Pencil

Milani Liquif'eye Metallic Eye Liner Pencil ($7.49) is basically a pencil liner with a super-smooth texture, that when applied, it glides on smoothly like a liquid liner - no tugging of the skin like a traditional pencil. It’s said to provide high pigmentation with long-lasting wear.

Milani Liquif’Eye Eye Pencils are available in five (5) shades: Black, Brown, Gold, Silver and Aqua. I own Brown and Aqua, but in this review I'll be focusing on the Brown pencil. (Swatches of both is at end of the post)

These pencils have been compared to Urban Decay’s ever popular 24-7 Glide-On Eye Pencils ($19 each) for their similar smooth texture, pigmentation and lasting power. Some even say they are exact dupes. I know this is going to sound crazy, but I don’t own any Urban Decay Liners so unfortunately, I can’t compare the two.

I do own other liners with smooth formulas – MAC Pearlglide and L’Oreal Extra Intense Liquid Eyeliner Pencil to name a couple, along with other liners such as MAC Eye Kohl, Stila Kajal Eye Liner, etc. Texture-wise, Milani excels above all of these.

 In this photo, I lined my upper lid with the Brown pencil (went over it twice for a deep line) and I applied a little under my eye and quickly smudged it with an angled liner brush and lastly applied the liner across my waterline.

10 Beauty Products I'm Loving Right Now!

1)      L’Oreal Sublime Bronze Clear Self-Tanning Gel – As some of you may have noticed, I dropped my religious routine of fake baking (self-tanning) last October, but I felt like it was time for a little bit of color again. So, I recently purchased this and have been using it on my face, décolleté and arms, and I’ve really been enjoying it! Sure, it’s no St. Tropez, but for something quick and easy, it works well. And, it doesn’t stink, or break out my skin – yay!

2)      Pacifica Tuscan Blood Orange Body Butter – Can we say yum!? Blood Orange is one of my favorite scents, and if you are keen on orange, this body butter is a must-have. It’s fruity, it’s sweet, it’s spicy – it’s everything you could ask for.

3)      Organix Moroccan Argan Oil Penetrating Oil– I’ve had this for a while now, and am beginning to realize (when I don’t use it) how awesome it really is. When I use this, my hair feels softer and everyone around me seems to notice how good my hair smells – that alone will make me want to keep using it!

4)      It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-in plus Keratin– I dyed my hair last week (one shade lighter, you can barely tell in photos) so I wanted a good leave-in treatment to keep my hair hydrated. I knew about this stuff for ages, but never purchased it because of the hefty price tag ($20/4oz). With the health of my hair in m best interest, I decided to take the plunge, and I’m punching myself in the arm for not buying it sooner. Best Leave-in I’ve tried, hands down. It leaves my hair so much more manageable and my hair looks and feels so much healthier.

5)      Reviva Labs Hyaluronic Acid Serum– One of my past favorites. I just got a hold of a new bottle and the sparks in my heart started flying once again. Applied under a moisturizer (or alone) this serum keeps my skin hydrated better than anything else. I never have a bad skin day when I’m using my Reviva Labs.

The proper suncare you'll need this summer and the products I'm currently using! Plus free samples!

May is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about skin cancer and how to properly protect your skin against the sun. Skin Cancer is one of the most common Cancers in the US, affecting people of all ages. Since Summer is right around the corner, it's the perfect time to address sun protection, while still enjoying some time in the sun this season.

---

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend these simple options for protection against UV radiation—

Seek shade, especially during midday (10am to 4 pm) hours. 

Wear clothing to protect exposed skin. 

Wear a hat with a wide brim to shade the face, head, ears, and neck. 

Wear sunglasses that wrap around and block as close to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays as possible. 

Use sunscreen with sun protective factor (SPF) 15 or higher, and both UVA and UVB protection. 

Avoid indoor tanning. 

(Source: http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/prevention.htm) 

---

 

Of course since many of us can't wait for Summer so we can enjoy the nice weather and wear less layers, wearing a suitable sunscreen (SPF of 15 or higher) is key.

Sunscreen for the Face

Although an SPF of 15 might be fine for the body, a higher SPF is recommended (minimum of 30) for the face. The lighter skin you have, the more protection you need. Most foundations don't contain enough SPF (or any) so wearing an additional sunscreen under your makeup is necessary for adequate protection. Why do you need more protection for your face? Aside from skin cancer prevention, the sun damages the collagen in your skin, which leads to - yes, wrinkles and premature aging. Also, the sun causes freckles and sun spots which you'll end up paying hundreds (or more) dollars in the future on chemical peels and AHA's to fade them, when you could just do one more step, like applying a layer of sunscreen on your face in the morning to avoid it all together.