SUMMERTIME SKINCARE//USE PROTECTION

Ahh, summertime. The time of year where walking around in a bikini top is acceptable, leaving your hair in a salty, wavy mess is preferred and your skin is warm from the hot summer sun. On the other hand, all these fun "summertime beauty" routines can be fun and well, attractive, but have you taken the measures to protect yourself against the long-term damage that  can come with these short-term beauty changes? 

Here's a quick note on my beauty savers for a flawless (and harmless) summertime look!

Understanding the difference...

It's important for us to protect our skin year round...p.s. did you know overcast can actually be more harmful to our skin?! I've done my fair share of research regarding sunscreen since I sadly have harmed my skin during my teen years  and I have found that a mineral based sunscreen is more my jam because I find there are greater benefits and safer to use. However, as long as you are using sunscreen... be the judge of what works best for you!

Mineral: This type includes zinc oxide & titanium oxide and reflects the suns rays like a mirror.

Chemical: typically includes chemicals such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate (to name a few) and  absorbs the uv rays in the skin and emits in the form of heat. Typically only blocks either UVA or UVB. 

SUNSCREENS

1. COOLA SPORT SPF 50 FACE SUNSCREEN $32
I recieved this brand in my Summer FabFitFun box and I was SO pleased. I had wanted to try this brand for awhile but the price point was a bit much for a face sunscreen but I would 10/10 purchase a bottle in the future!
PROS:
+ high spf, lightweight, non-greasy,
+80 minute wear, mineral-based, moisturizing
+ non-scented!
CONS:
+needs time to fully set before applying any makeup otherwise small beading will occur, expensive for the size of the bottle!

2. SUPERGOOP! PERFECT DAY 2-IN-1 FACE + LIP SUNSCREEN $19
(found at TJ Maxx for $7.95 unused!)
PROS:
 +high spf, absorbs VERY fast, long-lasting
+sets well under makeup
+no smell
+built in lip sunscreen balm (HUGE BONUS!!) that has coconut oil, avocado & grapeseed oils. 

3. AUSTRALIAN GOLD MINERAL-LOTION BOTANICAL SUNSCREEN SPF 30 $11.99
PROS:
 +mineral-based, non-greasy, long-lasting, citrus scent
+titanium oxide & zinc oxide based, antioxidant rich, matte formula
+paraben, phthalate, PABA, Petrolatum, sulfate, dye, oil free.
+NOT TESTED ON ANIMALS.
CONS +too much can be hard to rub in fully and leave a white ish residue (this is a VERY minimal problem- its matte so non-greasy!)

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AFTER SUN CARE

BARE REPUBLIC HYDRATING AFTER-SUN SPRAY $12.99
PROS:
​+aloe vera & seaweed, coconut oil
+spray is easy to use
+GMO free, vegan, gluten free, cruelty free & recycle friendly
+cooling, calming & refreshing on overly sun exposed skin
+fresh scent

EVIAN FACIAL SPRAY $12.50
PROS:
+cooling, lightweight bottle, easy to spray
+moisturizes, refreshes, hydrates, relieves tight skin
+no scent
+paraben, sulfate, phthalate free
CONS:
+bottle should be kept out of heat so not a great beach bag item! (unless its hidden underneath in a cool place.)

SERUMS

ARTNATURALS TRIO: HYALURONIC ACID, RETINOL & VITAMIN C SERUMS $26
HYALURONIC ACID PROS:
+Vitamin C for wrinkle prevention & Vitamin E to block free-radicals which can cause premature aging
+Moisture binding

RETINOL PROS:
+2.5% retinol: cell turnover & collagen production
+non-irritating for sensitive skin
+20% vitamin C 
+CoQ10: antioxidant aides in neutralizing free radical damage (skin cell health/appearance)
+Vitamin A: aides developing tissue & firm skin

VITAMIN C PROS:
+20% vitamin C: anti-aging
+Amino Acids: collagen production
+Hyluronic acid: moisture binding
+Vitamin E: block free-radicals 
+Ferulic Acid: defend skin against environment, brighter, softer skin
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