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by Alison Blackman Dunham  (aka. "Advice Sister Alison")

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Summer is fun, but you can make it much better by protecting your skin!  it is essential to protect yourself in the sun.  The Advice Sisters review all sorts of new, useful and fun products  the Advice Sisters Daily Blog (this column has links to some reviews that appeared there, first), but in this column, t focus is on sun-safe products.

Note that our blog address has changed to http://advicesistersblog.blogspot.com/   Note too, that I am now also the NY Cosmetics reporter for Examiner.com. Visit there (and subscribe to my feed)  for weekly reviews of products you may not find on advicesisters.net. I appreciate your support, your interest, and your comments. You can leave them every Advice Sisters Blog post, and re-tweets the ones you like, too. You can also participate on The Advice Sisters Forums,  and follow me on  Twitter @advicesisters and Facebook, or just send me an email, I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

These surfers look sexy, but baking in the sun isn't "hot" anymore. Skin Cancer is rising. What  can't see, can definitely hurt you. The Advice Sisters offer the same, sun safety tips as the ones below, every single year.  Here are our "top ten" sun safety tips. If you didn't follow them last year, maybe this year, you will! 

PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM THE SUN IS A MUST: HERE'S HOW TO DO IT: 

1.Apply a UVA and UVB sunscreen (broad-spectrum) with an SPF of 15 or higher.

2. Check the directions -- you may have to apply it 15- 30 minutes before going outdoors, Check expiration dates, Products that are outdated, can lose their effectiveness.

2.Use enough-- generally,  a golf-ball sized amount of sunscreen (one ounce) is recommended to cover your entire body. Completely coat all exposed areas of your face, head and body, ears, neck, nose, shoulders, back of the hands and front/back of your arms and legs. Cover your lips with sun protective lip balm or sunscreen.

3.. Apply sunscreen properly: completely coat all exposed areas of your face, head and body, ears, neck, nose, shoulders, back of the hands and front/back of your arms and legs. Cover your lips with sun protective lip balm or sunscreen.

4.Re-apply sunscreen regularly - even on a cloudy or cool day. Re- apply it if you've been sweating, swimming, or some of the protection might have rubbed off on a towel, or clothing.

5. Daily Protection - sun protection isn't just for the beach. If you refuse to wear SPF during the work day, at least consider wearing moisturizers and other cosmetics that have SPF in them.

6.  Stay out of the sun during it's strongest hours. Seek shade whenever possible, and cover yourself with a golf umbrella between holes.

7.Wear a broad-brimmed hat (preferably with a back flap) to help protect your face, ears and neck.

8.Protect your eyes with UV-protective sunglasses. This will help prevent wrinkles, and also, potential eye damage.

9 .Wear sun protective clothing (tightly woven) including long pants and long-sleeved shirts as often as possible

10:  Most sun exposure, and damage, happens when you're just walking around or sitting in your car. Protect yourself from the sun all the time, not just at the beach or pool.

 

 

SUN PROTECTION FOR YOUR BODY:

 

 

This column is all about sun protection, and if I’ve learned anything from trying dozens and dozens of different products over the years, it is that there isn’t one single product that works best for everyone. Nature’s Gate products are based on botanical remedies and are targeted to people who are into health foods and natural products (of course, anyone can use and like them). Their Nature’s Gate Faceblock SPF 25 $9.99 4 fl. oz. offers affordable, broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection in a lightweight, non-greasy cream formula. It is packaged in a flip-top tube that’s nice to take in your tote. An SPF of 25 is enough to actually give your face some real protection (applied 30 minutes before you go out into the sun, and re-applied every two hours or more often if you’ve been sweating, or swimming). The first thing I liked about the product is the easily absorbed lotion that has just a slight scent. But I also liked the skin-loving, antioxidant benefits of Vitamins C and E (from Guava, almond and tomato extracts), and the soothing moisturization from aloe, chamomile, and cucumber. The active ingredients include 7.5% Octinoxate, 5% Octisalate, 6% Octocrylene, and 4% zinc oxide. The combo of skin benefits, good protection, and a reasonable price, makes me feel good about recommending this to just about everyone. By the way, the tube is recyclable–another plus.

Dermalogica has put together two things I really love:  high quality, high performance, sun protection products, and a set of four, fabulous travel-sized items in their Daylight Defense Set $35.00 ($57.00 value). I first saw this kit at The Makeup Show a few months ago, and instantly knew it would have to be the first thing I added to this Summer Sun Protection-oriented, column! Dermalogica's SPF products are very good, and the kit is a great value.  The four products in this nicely boxed set include:  Multivitamin BodyBlock SPF 20 (1.7 fl. oz) , Solar Defense Booster SPF 30 (.34 oz.), After Sun Repair Lotion (1.3 fl. oz) and one of my favorite products, the Solar Shield Stick (.28 oz.) for small areas like eyes and lips. All these travel-sized items will keep you safe from the sun, no matter what your skin type. This would be an excellent gift for a weekend host or hostess, too. If you like the set, you'll probably want the full sized items, and of course, they're available, too.

Plastic surgeons often create skin care products that they believe will give the best results for their patients. Plastic Surgeon Dr. Gerald Imber has created Youth Corridor, a line of six, targeted products that utilize powerful antioxidants. These special products help you maintain your skin before you need big surgical intervention. Youth Corridor products use a combination of Vitamins C, E, and melatonin, to help prevent and correct the signs of aging, by addressing the inflammation caused by free radical damage. Vitamins C and E are used in many skin care products, but the natural antioxidant melatonin, combined with these two, are supposedly able to deliver skin benefits into the deeper layers of the skin. Without "tech-speak," the huge doses of Vitamin C in Youth Corridor’s formula, plus melatonin and Vitamin E, work together to produce more lasting effects. If you use these products regularly, the results could be firmer, tighter skin. I have no way to test this, but I did try the Soothe & Defend Moisturizer with SPF 30 $45.00 2 fl. oz. The price tag might sting a bit, but the product, will do good things, with UVA/UVB protection including 7.5 % Octinoxate and 5% Oxybenzone. The cream was so thick, I could barely squeeze it out of the flip top bottle. but once on my skin, it melted in and felt wonderfully silky. Personally, I dislike the feel of SPF products on my face, but this is one I would actually use daily. A pleasing product you'll actually use is reason enough to pay a little more than you normally would, to keep your skin healthy and safe.

M.D. Skincare is the creation of Dr. Dennis Gross, a New York dermatologist who produced a line of skin care products that combine the best of nature and science in multifunctional products that provide great skin solutions. The Advice Sisters have reviewed many MD Skincare products in past What Works columns. All products are made with natural and organic ingredients. They are 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and formulated without parabens, sodium lauryl sulfates, mineral oil, paraffin, synthetic dyes and fragrances. One product I really love is the Powerful Sun Protection SPF 30 Daily Sunscreen Towelettes $18.00/20 towelettes. Each towelette is one application, in a thin, orange package. Tear it open and wipe it on your skin, and you're good to go! What is so special about these is not just the amazing portability and ease of use, it's the cocktail of impressive, powerful ingredients that protect your skin from UVA/UVB rays, and environmental pollutants such as smog. Helpers include Vitamin C and green tea. The oil-free formula is good for both face and body. The three key sun-protection ingredients include 3% Avobenzone (protects against UVA rays), 7.5 % Ocybenzone (p-protects against both UVA. UVB rays), 5% Octinoxate (protects against UVB rays) and 55 Octisalate (protects against UVB rays). There are other antioxidants that promote collagen and protect it against ozone, and even lycopene to reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and fend off free radicals. It's also economical, because none is wasted. The SPF 30 is good enough to cover most needs. Love it, love it, love it!

Goldfaden SPF 30 Sunblock $35.00 2 fl. oz. comes shrink-wrapped like precious cargo, in a white, pump bottle. The product spritzes on a bit milky, but dries quickly to a lightweight, greaseless, unscented protection that will cover skin with full spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 30.  A unique ingredient in this sunblock is antioxidant Red Tea extract that helps mitigate skin damage caused by the sun by treating free radicals while they are being created.  So you not only get SPF protection in the sun, but the product purports to actually repair your skin at the same time. Dr. Goldfaden is a respected Dermatologist who knows his business. The product is pricey, but it has luxe benefits.  This sunblock is easy to tote in its 2 oz. packaging, feels like nothing on your skin, and of course, it does give you that SPF 30 protection that I consider the absolute minimum for face and body, if you're really going to be out in the sun. The actives in this one include 2% titanium dioxide, 3% Octinoxate, and 1% Benzophenone-3  You can find cheaper sunblocks, but if you want something special, a natural sunblock with red tea benefits, this one is a good choice.

Many sunscreens require powerful chemicals to protect your skin from the sun's damaging rays, but that isn't good news for those with allergies or sensitive skin,. Luckily, Lavera has a 100% natural, chemical free, mineral based sunscreen $24.99 1.6 fl. oz. with UVA/UVB protection, that offers a safe alternative to just staying indoors or covering up with sun-protective clothing. Their product range includes an Anti-Aging SPF 15 sunscreen; Baby & Children SPF 20 sunscreen; and even a self-tanner SPF 30+. These products are gentle on your skin,  and if yours is sensitive to chemicals, the extra dollars are more than worth the cost. In the Lavera Anti-Aging Sun Screen SPF 15, the key ingredients are 15% Zinc Dioxide and 7% titanium dioxide. It is good for all skin types, and has witch hazel essences and licorice extracts to soothe irritation, while Hyaluronic acid and aloe vera provide hydration, and Vitamins E and C and beta-carotene and unsaturated fatty acids also protect your skin to keep it looking younger, longer. All of this is good. And, I like the light, floral scent on the super-thick cream that blends right into your skin and won’t leave you with a white or chalky look. For this price I'd like a higher, more protective SPF, and the cream does feel like it has coated your skin. The press literature suggests that this makes it a good makeup primer, so even though it's a bit sticky, it multi-tasks. Also, the press literature says that since this is a mineral product, it provides instant protection. But the box says wait 15 minutes before you go out in the sun. For those with sensitive skin,  it works extremely well.

You don't have to go further than your local Rite Aid Drug store to find their own brand of RX Suncare Advance Protection SPF 30 Lotion $5.99 6 fl. oz. comes in a flip-top tube. It is a UV sunscreen that can last up to 80 minutes in water (I didn't test this). What I can tell you is that the lightweight, non-greasy lotion has a very slight scent, and contains 10% Homosalate, 5% Octisalate, #% Ocybenzone, and 2% Avobenzone. It's pleasant to use, doesn't cost very much, and of course, it works!  There is little more to say except that if you're looking for products with a good amount of SPF protection, Rite Aid has a wide variety--so don't pass up the chance to check them out.

EmerginC is one of those special, serious skincare line that while pricey, is results oriented. Now that the sun is "emergin" (pun, intended), you'll be exposed to more UVA & UVB rays from the sun the longer you stay outside and unprotected.  For good protection, I like EmerginC SPF 30+ Broad Spectrum UVA & UVB Sun Protector $35.00 4.40 fl. oz, in a flip-top tube.  There's a tinted version, too. You don't always get what you pay for, but you always pay for what you get. I tried the non tinted sun protector.  It's lightweight, non-greasy and very impressive. If it just protected your skin, it would be a good product, but it also has hydrators and antioxidants including vitamins C & E, green tea, aloe vera, St. john's wort, and gingko biloba, to improve your skin and make it look and feel better.  The product will work for every skin type, and you will be glad to know that the company doesn't test on animals, use synthetic fragrances or colors, and of the products are paraben-free. 7.5% Titanium Dioxide and 6.5% zinc dioxide make this a great choice for those who want, and demand, high performance, luxury products. Your whole family will want to use it--but you might just hoard it for yourself!

Juice Beauty is a wonderful collection of organic skincare products that have a unique, 100% organic juice base. Their formulas use plant oils, botanicals, honey, aloe vera, and raw can sugar from farms that specialize in sustainable and organic farming. The products don't contain harmful chemicals but they do have lots of antioxidant, skin benefits. Although many people don't like the feel of sunscreen on their faces, you can't find much to gripe about with Juice Beauty SPF 30 Mineral Light Moisturizer $29.00 2 fl. oz,. This multi-tasking, mineral- tinted moisturizer, provides full spectrum protection in the sun, with chemical-free, SPF 30 (thanks to a whopping, 10% titanium dioxide(, and certified organic white grape and pomegranate juices, vitamin antioxidants, and good-for-your skin, nurturing and moisturizing benefits.  This chemical-free, physical sunscreen is perfect for sensitive skin, moisturizes, and offers the beauty bonus of light-reflecting mica and iron oxides to lightly cover and even out skin tone.  Although some of the Juice Beauty products  have a citrus scent, this one smells more like earth, or clay. It also stays a bit "tacky" on your skin.  If you weigh the benefits, plus the high SPF, that's not much of a downside. TIP: If your skin tends to be oily, apply evenly, and lightly blot.

Not all pricey products perform as you’d like them to, but CellCeuticals has won consistent rave reviews from consumers on QVC and in the beauty community. High tech products do cost more. For example,  CellCeuticals PhotoDefense SPF 55+, $45.00 The first thing I noticed about this product is that is a daily moisturizer with a cocktail of antioxidants and anti-aging goodies, and it is also free of parabens, animal products, artificial colorings, and fragrance. But a broad spectrum 55+ sunscreen is a powerful tool against UVA/UVB rays, too. It is made with Photoplex, a “powerful, auto-defense system including Vitamin D (to help strengthen the skins natural defenses). I really liked the rich cream that immediately blends into skin without any residue, or scent, or sense that your skin is coated. A 55+ protection can often feel sticky or hard to handle, but this one was completely easy to wear. For those who can’t stand sunscreens on their face (and I’m one of those), but for whom a high, protective SPF is a must, the extra you’ll pay is well worth it.  I’m eager to try some of CellCeuticals other products. If they’re as good as this one, I can honestly say that I’ve found a line that delivers what it promises, at a price that is justified.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 45 Face Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid 1.7 fl oz  average, Srp. $28.00 (there is one for the body, too)  has a high SPF in a light, fast-absorbing base, featuring broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection.  It also has something called "CELL OX-SHIELD™," to protect your skin, even at the cellular level. The product says it is ultra light and it really lives up to that description, much to the relief of people who hate the feeling of tacky products on their skin. This one features an anti-oxidant complex called "Senna Alata," a tropical leaf extract known to defend skin cells. By the way, it's good for all skin types.  You shake the liquid, and it will look fairly matte on your skin. Other bennies include being water-resistant fragrance-free, PABA-free, mon-comedogenic and suitable for sensitive skin. It has 3% Avobenzone, 10% Homosalate, 5% Octisalate, 5% Octocrylene, and 6% Oxybenzone. I love the high SPF and the lightweight formula that doesn't feel weighty on my skin. The scent is a bit chemical-y but that doesn't deter me from recommending it. If you want a light, matte, apply-it-and-forget-it product, it's a solid choice.

To be sure, there is nothing really “safe” about the sun, but the Skincare Solution Safe Sun Face & Body Kit $44.00 by Pevonia Botanica is a quartet of travel-sized products to keep skin healthy and protected from the sun's rays: 1 fl. oz Ligne Soleil Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 30 for face and body;  1.7 fl. Oz in a flip-top tube Ligne Soleil Phyto-Aromatic Mist - hydrates skin and is a great refresher; 1.7 fl. Oz. Silky Skin Body Scrub - essential if you use self-tanner, eliminates dead skin cells & for smooth skin, and: 1.7 fl. Oz. Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser in a flip top tube for a gentle, thorough clean.  This travel/sample kit contains all these skin essentials in a nice, neat package, in air travel 3-1-1 carry-on approved sizes. This pack-it-and-go, kit, even has easy to follow instructions on a card! For more information, check out the previous review on The Advice Sisters Blog

 

Healthy Summer Hair:

 

 

 

I don't gush about a product very often, but I have unruly, frizzy hair, and I have tried everything on the market, from shampoos, serums, and sprays, to snake charmers. There’s always something new that claims to help fight frizz. If there is one segment of population that wants to believe, it’s the person who walks with a halo of frizz. Some products really do tame frizz, at least for a while. But I've found that the moment you smooth out your hair and walk into a humid situation, most frizz fighters flat out can't manage it. Technology marches on, however and I have found a product that at least for me, is the answer to my problem:  The Frizz Therapy Flat Iron $50.00  by Remington. This iron has next generation ceramic plates, infused with special, porous properties.  A blend of frizz resistant and micro conditioners, that are emitted as you use the iron. When the plates are heated, the frizz fighters come to the surface of the plates, and are transmitted onto your hair as you style it. It works, and it works well.. I have tried it in rainstorms, high humidity and more. It is simply, the best anti-frizz fighting tool I've ever used.   Read my detailed review on the Advice Sisters Blog/

"Everyone wants beautiful and healthy-looking hair. We have taken that into consideration, and have come up with a solution..." starts the press literature for DeFabulous Hair Care. Their luxe, salon-exclusive products use natural, botanical extracts, and other high quality ingredients, to provide hair care solutions--especially for those with chemical treated or colored hair. The company has quite a wide range of products. I tried the Acai Oil Treatment $24.00 that you can use daily to keep your hair from looking and feeling, fried. You simply warm a bit of the oil in your hands, and smooth it onto damp, or dry, hair. I tried it first, on dry hair. I didn't use a lot (these product tend to make my hair fall flat, so a little goes a long way). What I noticed, immediately, is that my frizz was tamed and my toasted hair seemed softer and smoother. It really felt great!  On wet hair, applied before styling, it helps cut drying time and also nourishes your scalp to prevent flaking and itchiness. Vital antioxidants, plus the benefits of acai (if you read this column you already know all about how acai is used in beauty products--if not, go to the Advice Sisters What Works archives, search, and read up). The  fruit from this Brazilian palm is used, but also other parts of the plant. Acai oil is a miracle worker for hair, too. It's a  "healer" and UV protectant for hair that's been (or is going to be) assaulted by sun, chlorine, salt water, color, and styling products. The protection will last under your next shampoo, too.  love products that give you immediate results and satisfaction. This DeFabulous, Acai Oil Treatment, definitely does.

Bad hair days happen all year long, and if you are stuck in humid, frizz-creating weather, you need the right tools to keep hair sleek, or at least, somewhat in the style you imagined when you walked out the door!  Suave has some very affordable products that can help. For example, Suave Professionals Weather Protection 365, Anti Frizz & Flyaway Cream Gel srp. $2.17-$2.89  4 oz  has the benefits of both a cream, and a gel, to help control frizz and fly-aways no matter what time of year. Best used on damp hair after you’ve shampooed and conditioned, I’ve been rubbing a tiny bit of this product between my palms, then smooth it on and through my hair when the rains, come. The product immediately silkens, too. UV filters protect, while smoothing silicones and light moisturizers block humidity, static and even the wind.  The product has a fruity/floral scent, and the best thing about the product is that it is o light you won’t remember you used it…until you look in a mirror and don’t see the usual disarray of crazy hair!  For additional control, hold, and protection, spritz on a bit of Suave Professionals Weather Protection 365 Humidity Defying Aerosol Hairspray $2.17-$2.89 8.5 fl. oz.  This is an extra light hair spray that seems to me to protect your style from humidity and frizz,  more than it seriously locks in a style (you can use a heavier hand if control is what you really want). But the product also has UV filters and it’s perfect for when you’re outdoors and don’t need “helmet head,” just a little help to keep your style safe from the elements. You can use these all seasons, for all reasons, and pay less than you would for a big latte!

I'm not usually a big fan of sun protection sprays, because they can weight hair down and sometimes, make it look very greasy, but Redken’s new Color Extend Sun Solar Screen SPF 12 $16.00 5 fl. oz,  part of Redken’s excellent Color Extend hair care line, has UVA/UVB filters to SPF 12 to protect your scalp, as well as mango oil to replenish moisture, and ceramide to repair and resurface any damage to hair strands. If you’re going to the beach, you’re going to be swimming and/or washing your hair afterwards, anyway. Why not take a moment to spritz on an insurance policy against color loss and dryness? Hair is a living thing, just like your skin and nails. Baking it (and your scalp) in the sun without any protection is just as bad as sunbathing without sunblock! If you spent a lot of time and money on your hair color, and if you like to go out in the sun without a hat or scarf, you really can’t expect your hair color not to fade from the sun’s rays. Use it like SPF and spray it onto dry or damp scalp and hair about 30 minutes before sun exposure, then re-apply it after swimming, and you will do a good thing for your skin, your scalp, and your hair color!

Hats and sun protection products make your hair go limp, you say?  After your next shampoo, spritz on The Maximizer $35.00 4.22 fl. oz. by Philip Kingsley. This hair spray  product doesn't just give a helping hand to thin and/or limp hair to make it look fuller, "maximizing" each hair's potential to provide body and amplify volume, it also has UV filters to help protect your hair and it's color. Yes, it's pricey, but fine and/or limp hair need all the help it can get. I have tons of hair, and I still liked the bounce and shine I got with this product. You can certainly rationalize the cost because it is a multi-tasking beauty that protects your color without making your hair look like it's "beachy" or soaked in oil.  Well worth it!

While few things really combat frizz, for the long haul, budget-minded SAMY has frizz fighters that do seem to help. And, if you add all the benefits plus the amazingly low price, you will be hooked.  Samy Heat Guard $4.99  6 fl. oz. comes in a purple pump bottle dispensing a citrus-y scented spray that helps to keep your hair smooth, shiny and frizz-free and of course, it is a heat protectant, too.  The formula even helps defend against breakage and seals split ends. Once your style is set, save your style and protect your hair from the sun at the same time, with Samy  Hairspray Spray $4.99 10 fl. oz.  The tall, sea blue spray bottle has a formula with conditioning agents and humectants, plus sunscreen to protect hair against damage and fading from the sun. The spray is powerful, with barely any scent, and while it feels light on your hair (just a little crunchy it you pile it on), it really holds well.  These products are perfect for all hair types, too.

Good hair care isn’t just a luxury, it’s a must, especially if you color or chemically treat your hair. You wear your hair 24/7 so it makes sense not only to protect this, your best, fashion accessory. One of my favorite hair care brands is Pureology. It is, as their labels proclaim: “serious colour care.” The 100% vegan products feature organic botanicals and other more natural, good-for-your-body ingredients. The company doesn’t test on animals, and their products use organic botanicals such as peppermint, rosemary, sage, and green tea, and Pureology’s signature "AntiFade" complex. This is a blend of antioxidants and UVA/UVB full spectrum sunscreen, that helps keep your hair from fading. Pureology formulas are gentle, and yet, they'll make sure that you have hair that looks healthy, shiny and soft.
Now, Pureology has added two new products to their Hydrate Line: Hydrate LightCondition $27.00 8.5 fl. oz in a slim-necked, plastic bottle with lavender flip cap, and Hydrate HydraWhip $45.00 5.02 oz.  Please read the entire review on the Advice Sisters Blog.

Infiniti by Conair You Curl $39.99 is the latest "weapon" against boring hair. This red barreled wand is from gives you the shiny, soft, bouncy, sexy curls of your dreams! You can't really call it a curling iron, because it doesn't have the traditional clamp that holds the hair--those can also leave crimping marks. This electronic iron actually reminds me of the old fashioned curling tongs women used to heat up in the hearth, and then apply to their hair. The Infiniti by Conair You Curl, however, has all the bells and whistles and safety features you'd expect of a modern tool. This one is electronic, and has a digital readout that lets you choose five consistent temperature settings up to 400 degrees. An indicator light tells you exactly how hot the curling wand is, and it beeps when it reaches that temperature. There is also an automatic shutoff and the wand is tourmaline ceramic, to heat quickly and efficiently, with less damage to your hair. A safety tip keeps the top of the iron safe for your fingers. The idea of this tool is that without the clamp, you can make tight to loose curls without any crimps. It might take you a few tries to get used to where the ideal place is to wrap your hair, and how long to hold it there. The closer you get to the tapered top of the wand, and the longer you hold it there, the tighter the curl will be. The thicker the section of hair, the looser you wrap it, the cooler the temperature, and a small hold time, will make a loose wave, but you can take it all the way up to a tight corkscrew you couldn't ever accomplish with just one size barrel on a traditional curling iron! The You Curl is like a dozen curling tools, in one!

 

 

SKIN CARE, AND SCENTS!

 

 

If your skin is dry and flaky, either naturally, or from sun sabotage, a little moisturization can help. A product I like that multi-tasks as a cleanser and doesn't cost a fortune, is DOVE Deep Moisture Nourishing Body Wash 12 fl. oz. It has 'Nutrium" moisture--Dove's way of saying that the product has a rich blend of moisturizing ingredients, The product cleanses, of course (it's a body wash, first) but the moisturizers in the product get your skin feeling smooth, too. The body wash just rinses off, leaving the feeling that your skin has been pampered and hydrated, even though you haven't added any sticky creams or gels or lotions or potions. This body wash comes in a white, teardrop-shaped plastic bottle with small flip top. There's a 24 oz and a 16 oz size. You can get the 16 oz size for under $5.00--pretty amazing! so this is a multi-tasking, budget-friendly product that just about anyone can afford. The only thing I really don't like about the product (and it is a very minor thing, and a very subjective one), is the floral scent. I think this would be a great product for the man in my life, but he won't use it do to the feminine scent. Luckily, DOVE has plenty of other good body products, too.

ROC is known for budget-minded skincare. One thing I know about exfoliators is that they don’t’ just make your skin look smoother and brighter, they also prepare it to accept anti-aging treatments and, if you so dare apply them to your face, self-tanners. ROC Multi-Correxion Exfoliating Cleanser Avg. Price $9.99 5 oz. Comes in a flip-top tube that dispenses a fresh smelling, slightly gritty, gentle exfoliator. The formula combines  Vitamins C and E with smoothing micro-spheres, to help improve your skin's tone and texture, exfoliates to help cell turnover, and wash away dirt, oil and complexion-during impurities. It isn’t a particularly glamorous product, but it works. You don’t need a lot, you won’t scrub your face to a pulp, and it won’t cost you a fortune. Exfoliation is a necessary step in a good skincare routine, and a must-do before you slather on that self tanner. This one does the job

Boots No7 Lifting & Firming Foundation $15.99 comes in a pump bottle and gives you medium coverage plus SPF 15. It also has Peptide technology that boosts the collagen and elastin content in your skin and thereby, helps firm your skin and smooth out lines. Key ingredients include: vitamins, algae extract and seaweed extract. If I counted correctly, there are seven shades from light to fairly deep. While this foundation is touted as being most suitable for more mature skin, I like it for skin that's dry as well. The foundation is slightly luminous, feels silky, and slides over imperfections with ease. Boots Soft & Sheer Tinted Moisturizer $11.99 1.69 fl. oz. also has SPF 15 and comes in a portable, flip-top tube. While it is mostly translucent and gives your skin a wash of barely-there color, it also moisturizes up to 12 hours and evens out skin tone in a subtle way, while adding radiance. Moisturizers are essential for healthy skin, but if you're not going to wear sunscreens OR foundation with SPF, a good moisturizer will do double duty for at least minimal sun protection. I tried three different, day creams that are all hypoallergenic, and have SPF 8, 12, and 15, respectively. I've gone into these in some detail on the Advice Sisters Blog and hope you'll take the time to read all about them.

Airline restrictions continue to tighten, and costs continue to rise when you want to check luggage. But this Summer, there's no need to leave your favorite fragrance, behind. Lighten your load, but not your wallet, with fragrance in small, unbreakable, portable, packages. if you love the Baby Phat Dare Me, Faith Hill Parfums, Pure Orchid by Halle Berry, or Nautica My Voyage, you’re in luck! These lovely scents are now available, beautifully packaged, in 0.25 fl. oz. natural spray flacons. Each arrives in a durable but lightweight , unbreakable, damage-proof, metal spray bottle. They look stylish, and they're easy to carry in your purse or carry-on bag, without fear of spillage. There is something for every fragrance “taste” in this quartet of portables, whether you like your fragrance crisp and clean, wild and exotic, or feminine or fruity. Another plus: you can actually pull out the glass spray flacon inside the metal container, unscrew it, and refill it. Here’s the kicker: these scents are just $9.99! WOW--that's a true bargain! Read all about the fragrances on The Advice Sisters Blog

Avon Anew Clinical Luminousity Brightening Serum $54.00 1 fl. oz.  is Avon’s first topical serum, and it features and inject able-grade skin care. The product information says it provides “an at-home option to a dermatologist laser!” They say it “instantly makes your skin look brighter and more even toned. What makes it unique is it's dual formula – Anti-Dark Spot Helix: formulated with inject able-grade L-Aspartic Acid to help inhibit pigment production causing dark spots; and a brightening gel, formulated to help remove dull skin cells. Together, they form an eye-catching design in the space-age-y, clear, plastic pump bottle with silvery accents. While Avon and Anew products are great, nothing I know of can penetrate deeply enough into the skin to approximate a laser peel. However, I think the product has potential. It appears to have the “right stuff” to make smoother, clearer, brighter skin a reality. Just keep your expectations realistic and use the product as directed for a period of time. If a laser peel isn’t in your future, and your skin just needs a help to get rid of mild age spots and blotchiness, this product might be the one you’ve been seeking. However, if your skin really needs resurfacing, I would check with your dermatologist to see if a product with topical application, will work for you.

Unwanted hair on your body is a no no these days. Everyone wants to have less, and shave less, and do less to make that happen. So if you’re going to moisturize your legs, for example, you might as well use a product that can help you shave less often. There are quite a few of these, and the opinions vary widely as to whether or not they really work. Aveeno is one of my favorite, modestly priced skincare brands. With products that generally are less irritating than many other brands. Aveeno’s Positively Smooth Facial Moisturizer and Moisturizing Lotion (for body) silken skin with active naturals such as natural soy. The products come in pump bottles which I love, and they moisturize as well as anything else out there. They have very little fragrance, which I also like. To see how immediately moisturizing the lotion was, I tried it on just one leg. It felt cooling and soothing, absorbed within seconds, and I felt the silkening effect immediately. But what makes the Aveeno Positively Smooth Moisturizers for face and body even more unique, is that in as little as two weeks, the products are supposed to make hair regrowth look less noticeable, and that trend improves, with continued use I can't try just one thing long enough to really say whether or not that is the case. And, even if I could claim it is so, not everyone’s skin type or hair type will respond as quickly, or at all. But I do like the products, and they don’t cost more than others that simply moisturize without the other potential benefit. Given the low cost, ease of use, and pleasant application, I’d give it a thumbs up. And if your hair regrowth really is slower and/or less noticeable, great!

 

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"FAKE BAKES" 

 

Anyone who has read my column for years, knows that self tanners make me anxious.  I rarely can find one that looks natural on my freckled skin. In the old days, I'd end up looking like the great pumpkin.  Today's self tanners have come a long way from their reliability to turn skin, orange, not tan. Clarins Delectable Self Tanning Mousse with Mirabelle Oil and SPF 15 $42.00 4.2 oz., not only makes you look bronzed by the sun, but it has protection against those damaging rays. The jar of cream has a light, white, mousse consistency that blends easily and smoothly into your skin.  It smells slightly fruity with a hint of almond, but mostly, it's just light and pleasant. Clarins has a signature combo of DHA and Erythulose that gives you a true tan, not a streaky, orange-y one. It has mirabelle oil that helps to moisturize and provide anti-free radical benefits. And, there's safflower oil, to help speed up the appearance of the color.  I tried this one personally.  After exfoliating (the day before), I smoothed it on.  I wasn't quite sure how much to use, but the consistency is so light and it blends so easily, I didn't need to slather it with wild abandon. I waited until it dried, which didn't take long. I got dressed and didn't really check my legs again until late that night. They were not crazy dark, nor orange. They were nicely and believably "tan" -- much better than I would ever get baking in the sun. Encouraged that you too, can get a great fake bake? Try it on your face--it works there, just as well.

If you’ve been having fun in the sun, you already know that feeling of Uh-oh! When you shower, and find tan lines where you don’t’ want them.  What can you do?  In the old days, you either had to cover up the unsightly lines with makeup, or wear something that covered them until they faded.  Now, you can fix the problem with the Tan Line Corrector by Solerra $5.99 0.14 oz. . It is a little squeeze tube with a slant-tip sponge top. Inside the tube is a self-tanner with DHA (the stuff of sunless tans). Simply pink the thumb tape of the tube to break the inner seal and gently squeeze to dispense the formula onto the tip. Apply to any tan line (or small self-tanner mistake) and blend the edges. Repeat after four hours for more color if you need it.  It will blend the color in enough so even if it doesn’t exactly match the color and intensity of your tan, it will diffuse it enough so tan limes seem to disappear. Skin benefits include aloe leaf extract to smooth, soften and moisturize.  There’s only one color, but it will develop to work for most complexions.  If you are wearing a strapless dress in the bridal party tomorrow, and you got tan lines from straps today, it’s an inexpensive solution to a previously difficult to solve, problem. The coverage will fade with your tan. Love it!   Solerra's Solar Shade 30+ SPF $14.99 5.5 fl. helps you get that tan you want.  Apply it and let it dry before you go out into the sun, and this very water resistant SPF 30+ , broad spectrum sun protectant will do a good job of protecting you from the sun's damaging rays. Key sunscreen ingredients include 7.5% Octinoxate; 5% Octisalate; 6% Oxybenzone and 4% Octocrylene.  The cream is lightweight and blends easily into skin, moisturizing it without too much of a tacky feel.  One of the things I really like is that it is unscented. The flip top tube makes it easy to tote, and good for everyone in the family.

Anyone who has read my columns for over a decade knows that I have had a love/hate relationship with self tanners and bronzers. But, the technology has improved tremendously, and I'd rather use a self tanner or bronzer than risk sitting in the sun or walking around with legs as white as the underside of a fish! Since the only alternative is wearing loathsome pantyhose, I've softened considerably. Not all self tanners are the same, and you really need to experiment (or at least read a column like The Advice sisters "What Works" to see which products appear to be the best). One product that recently came across my desk is the Sunless Tanning Lotion $30.00 8 fl. oz., by Abrione. It contains FDA approved cosmetic colors and emollients. If you are going to self tan to avoid damage to your skin, the last thing you need to do is artificially stain it with dangerous chemicals. I like the plastic pump bottle with a spray that is vigorous, but no so strong that it blasts product all over the room. The second thing I like is the scent: vanilla, not chemicals. The third thing I like about it is that the product is not a sticky cream, but a liquid that smoothes on easily (the instructions say to use a brush that I didn’t get).  I used my hand, and that worked--but you have to wash the product off your palms quickly or risk staining them bronze). Some of the product came out deep bronze, but the product really isn’t tinted upon contact, so you can't tell for hours (6-12 to be exact) whether you’ve gotten enough product on your skin, or whether you’ve applied it smoothly enough. But the color is not dramatic at first. It's layerable, so start with a little, and add more the next time. With a bottle this size, there’s enough to many applications. You control the frequency of the application, and how much you apply. Then, maintain the color by using the product, weekly.

 

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"Au Courant" means "up to date" and "informed on current issues."  But it is also the name of a company that produces an instant spray tan and a number of fake bake tanning options for at home use. One that I like is the Au Courant Instant Sunless Tanning Lotion  $29.99 8 fl. oz. in a plastic, pump bottle.  This particular tanning product looks as dark as melted chocolate, but it disappears into your skin with a fruity smell and just a slight tan-until a few hours pass (the color develops within 3-5 hours). Use a sponge applicator, of use your hands (I did, but I washed them quickly with an exfoliating scrub). On my pale skin, once a week was enough to make me look like I had a believable bronze. Once you get the color you want, apply every 4-5 days to maintain it. The product has a nice smell, dries quickly, and "tans" you with a brown-ish, not orange, color. FYI, the ingredients are: Water (Deionized), Aloe Vera, Safflower, DHA, PEG-100 Sterate, Glycerine, Polysorbate 80 and Cetyle Acetate, Dimethicone, PVP, Methylparaben, Proplyparaben, Propylene Glycol, Diazolidinyl UREA, Citric Acid, Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B-5) Chamomile Extract, Rosemary Extract, FD & C's, and Fragrance.

If you're on the go, and feel the need to "glow" without the sun, Comodynes has a Self-Tanning Towelette $12.99/8 that comes in handy, foil seal packettes. The product has Dehydroxiacetone (DHA) that does what other self-tanners do--give you a faux glow. They have a bit of a chemical smell, but it's not too bad. Each towelette is made of natural fibers, and is 8" x 8", large enough to swipe the self tanning evenly (in a circular motion) over your skin, both face and body. You might have to use more than one, depending upon how much you dispense. One is a good dose for face, neck and neckline.  But the color lasts for days, and if you manage to apply it evenly, you'll enjoy a "fake bake" that won't come off on your clothes.  The wipes are made in Spain and are hypoallergenic.  They are quick, convenient, and easy to use. Pop one into your weekend tote or luggage, and even if the sun doesn't shine, you'll come home looking like you lazed in the rays!

 

BEAUTY'S LITTLE HELPERS:

 

I’ve always been a fan of Pevonia Botanica products, but one that apparently I’ve overlooked until now is their Ligne Power Repair Youthful Lip Cream $48.00 1 fl. oz. The first thing that is different about this product is the packaging: it doesn’t come in a typical squeeze tube or solid stick. It’s a cream in a chunky, plastic squeeze jar with pointed tip. The second thing that is different is the cream, itself. It is rich and thick and when you apply it, it absorbs quickly, leaving a slight smell of roses behind! The Youthful Lip Cream combines the repairing effects of Retinol with regenerating Collagen and Elastin, to smooth lines, hydrate, prevent wrinkles, and even coloring. It isn’t an instant treatment, but over time, your lips will look and feel rejuvenated. On contact, however, it makes lips feel smooth, and I found that my lipcolor looked smoother and felt hydrating, too. The key ingredients include: Retinol, Bois Oil (fragrance), Shea Butter, Collagen, and Elastin. The downside, is the price. However, it’s a wonderful, effective and pampering product. If your lips are looking less youthful, and you don’t want to resort to more invasive means to deal with fine lines, you might consider the price a bargain compared to other treatment costs.

One of the things women worry about as they age is.....no it’s not what you think! It is the sudden and alarming realization that hair is growing where you don’t want it–like on your face! Sally Hansen, known for it’s wonderful nail hardening products and nurturing nail treatments, plus the most amazing array of nail color formulas, also has hair removal products for face and body. One of the new products I tried at the Spring/Summer Sally Hansen launch a few months ago, was Insta-Pods Creme Hair Remover for the Face $9.95/6 pods. What I like so much about these is that you simply snap the pod open, and it makes it’s own application to apply it to your face (you don’t have to touch it). The pods are sealed and lightweight and perfect for travel, too. In about three minutes (depending upon how much hair and how stubborn yours is), the hair is removed, without irritation, razor bumps, or other skin issues Another plus is that while this product a bit of a scent, it’s so minimal that most people won’t even find it annoying. Vitamin E, aloe, and chamomile moisturize and soothe. Another Sally Hansen product that deserves a shout-out is the Pure Scent-Sation Hair Remover for (Face) and Body $9.99 5.3 fl. Oz.  Ask anyone who has used a cream depilatory, and they’ll tell you that the worst part is having to sit with the stuff on your skin, and breathing in the awful, chemical smell. This body product comes in a pump bottle, and is good for bikini area, legs and underarms. I tried this one (on my hand) at the Sally Hansen preview launch, and had to agree that the scent really was barely there. The product also has moisturizing and soothing Vitamin E, chamomile and aloe. This product takes just a few minutes, and leaves your skin smooth, without any cuts, nicks or irritation. Unlike shaving, both products are not just convenient, they may actually reduce the risk of ingrown. hairs, and even minimize hair growth, over time. It's a great value, too.

 

To  keep your lips in top shape, you need to regularly do two things: exfoliate them, and hydrate them. You can smooth away dry flakes with a chemical exfoliant or one with rough pieces of seeds or nut hulls, but sugar is sweeter and gentler. Therefore, LUSH Lip Scrub $8.95 is my newest obsession. They use castor sugar to gently eliminate those nasty flakes and dry patches. They're  packaged in 0.8 oz. glass jars with screw cap Their main ingredients are castor sugar, flavor, and vanilla extract. Swipe your finger lightly over the surface pick up a tiny bit of the product, and rub it over your lips for a few seconds. Then, lick off the residue. Chocolate and peppermint combine in the Sweet Lips Lip Scrub, while vanilla extract helps you moisturize. The Mint Juleps Lip Scrub, smells like mint-chocolate chip ice cream, and features tingly peppermint oil. It also has vanilla extract to lock in moisture.  BubbleGum Lip Scrub, an homage to Lush’s Snow Fairy Fragrance. smells like the treat it is named for.  One of these sweet, exfoliating, lip scrubs in the mid-afternoon might just help you avoid cravings and slough off any dry skin.   The only downside if you can call it that, is that only danger is that These are addictive!!!!! You could overdo the exfoliation

Tired eyes aren’t a good fashion look, However, you can fudge a bright eyed look with Eye Slices $ 19.99, refill $14.99. They are innovative, disposable, gel based pads in an egg-shaped, plastic case with two storage pouches–one on each side. The slices use a cryogel technology, featuring several active ingredients that deliver their benefits to your eye area, reducing puffiness, redness, wrinkles and dark circles (within 5-20 minutes). Not that you would be tempted to eat these, but they are non-toxic. A key is Aloe Ferox, South African grown. It has the soothing, calming and restorative properties that even those with sensitive skin, will find appropriate. There are a couple of different types of Eye Slices too, addressing different skin conditions (Check out The Advice Sisters Blog feature to figure out which is best for you). 

Do you have toothbrush confusion at your house?  In mine, we seem to have the same color, or a variation of it, and often I forget which is mine.  That will never happen if you get the new Toothbrushes from REACH® by Design™ . As you can see from the photo, their colorful toothbrushes offer a unique design that lets your family members express themselves with a little, affordable, indulgence. A fun toothbrush is one way to get everyone to brush more often, and longer, too.  The REACH® by Design™ Toothbrush $2.35 has been shown to remove up to 95% of plaque between teeth. The ones I received have soft bristles that won't rip gums or gouge teeth.  Nifty!  And, a good toothpaste helps keep your teeth looking good, too. Most people associate the name "Rembrandt" with the  Dutch painter. For me, the name reminds me of a Mynah Bird that used to live in an art gallery my sister and I used to visit (actually, forced to visit by my art-collecting parents) Apparently, the gallery owners were a bit forgetful, so Rembrandt was trained to screech just one phrase (at about 30-second intervals): ""Hello! RemBrandt! Don't forget to turn out the lights!" Rembrandt  has a line of upscale, effective, tooth-care and whitening products. There are  eight in the Rembrandt Whitening Collection. All of these products are designed to help you get whiter teeth and then maintain them. They contain the same enamel-safe ingredients that dentists use, but in strengths for at-home use, and amazingly affordable.  Read our former review from the Advice Sisters Blog

I love Duette $38.00 by Votre Vu! It's a two-in-one multi-tasker with two flip tops on one tube.  It is the ultimate hydration "Swiss Army Knife" for Summer. The top part has a luxe hand cream that smells so wonderful, you might just swoon!  It's an almond and coconut scent so rich you  might just be tempted to eat it.  But of course, it's meant to silken and hydrate your hands, and that it does, beautifully.  The hand creme also features UVA and UVB sun protection. The product is very emollient, but quickly sinks into your skin, leaving nothing behind but that lovely scent, and pampered hands. The clear lip balm is hidden in the top of the tube, in a flip top cap. Not to be outdone by it's sexy sister, this product is super-emollient and comes with a little mirror in the flip top cap, so you can see what you're doing. Key ingredients in this balm are coconut oil and shea butter. Votre Vu products are primarily sold through a sales force of  consultants, but you can order online if you wish.

 

 

I don’t like having to wait for my manicure to dry, but when I do it myself, I almost always end up smuushing a nail or two.  Barielle’s Ultra Speed Dry Manicure Extender $26.00 has won my heart mot just because it provides a high shine top coat, but because it multi-tasks to speed dry. Even better, the sun won't sabotage your nails, because this product also has UVA/UVB protectors to keep dark colors from fading, and light colors from turning yellow in the sun.  It also extends the durability of your manicure. For those who care about chemicals (or lack thereof), this one is dibutyl phthalate, toluene and formaldehyde free. It's pricey, but it does so much, I consider the cost is worth the  "Swiss Army Knife" use-ability. TIP: let your polish  dry for  two minutes before applying  Ultra Speed Dry Manicure Extender. In two more minutes, you can do whatever you wish without fear of ruining your nails. Use this product a few times a week over your finished manicure and you'll find that it stays chip-free, longer. If you have smuushed a nail, applying this top coat will also gloss over those mistakes, so you don't have to start all over again. It’s a clever, wonderful product!

Not to be indelicate, but sweat and odor aren't good fashion looks any time of year.  Alas, when you wear Summer whites, and sweat, yellow underarm stains can ruin your look as yellow teeth do, your smile. Colgate-Palmolive has just introduced a new antiperspirant/deodorant called Lady Speed Stick Stainguard $2.49.  Of course it's designed to stop odor and wetness (that's what you'd expect from this type of product) but it has a patent-pending formula that helps fight stains and white residue on clothes.  I have to honestly say that I'm one of the lucky ones that doesn't sweat very much, so I can't say that I have yellow stains I can track.  But I can say that the product works well (they say up to 24-hours, but honestly, who doesn't bathe for an entire day)?  What I can tell you is that there are two scents: Powder Fresh, and Daringly Fresh. The former smells clean and just like baby powder (love it).  The latter is also like, but more powdery-fruity. You're going to use a deodorant/antiperspirant anyway (or at least I hope you do) so why not take advantage of the anti-yellowing benefits, too? Check out the men's Stainguard Speed Stick, in the "For the Guys" section.

Everyone wants long, lush eyelashes, but short of applying several coats of lash-building mascara (not such a great idea in the heat of the Summer), how can you get the look you love, without resorting to faux eyelashes?  Talika Lipocils $55.00 is an eyelash conditioner in a wanded tube with both a brush and sponge applicator (use the foam part to apply product to the base of the lashes, and the brush part to spread it upwards),  that claims to help you grow longer, stronger lashes in just 28 days.  The unique, transparent gel is enriched with a complex of lecithin, castor oil, and 100% natural plant extracts, that are supposed to stimulate the growth of lashes. Other key ingredients include.  deionized water, Carbomer, Lecithin, Hypericum Extract, Apple Extract, Witch Hazel Extract, Horse Chestnut Extract. The Advice Sisters have reviewed other products that help nourish lashes. Most do work at least a little, depending upon the quality and quantity and health of your lashes at the get go. As I consider the ingredients, it should do a good job of nourishing your lashes, to make them longer and stronger, and maybe even a bit shinier, just as hair products, do. The product will not change your pupil color, it doesn't smell, and doesn't seem to irritate sensitive eyes.  Lash conditioners do produce benefits, but you have to be patient, using the product twice a day for the first two weeks, and at least once a day after that.  If you remember to do it, and are willing to invest the money and time, benefits can be yours.

Lanacane Anti-Chafing Gel srp. under $8.00 is a soft, colorless, non-scented gel that adds "slip" to your skin. What that means is that it reduces the friction (and therefore, chafing) of skin against skin, and/or clothes/shoes against skin. It may not be a glamorous beauty product, but chafing is a serious condition,  and this product really does relieve some of the misery. If you have ever experienced a bra that suddenly feels like a saw against your armpits and chest, shoes that are too tight and producing blisters with every step, or other parts of your body that rub (e.g. your thighs), anything that can provide silkiness where repeated motion rubs skin raw, is a blessing. For those who are overweight, movement in hot weather and during exercise, is an especially painful issue that is hard to ignore. I felt immediate relief from this non- greasy, non-staining, moisture-proof gel. It even dries on contact. The only downside was that it didn’t last as long as I’d wanted. To be truly comfortable, I re-applied it a few times during the day. Still, it helps, and that’s a step (literally) in the right direction.

 

 

FOR THE GUYS:

 

 

Okabashi Maui sounds like the name of a tanker, or maybe, a Japanese delicacy, but it’s actually a limited edition, earth day oriented flip flop that is made in Buford, Georgia! These are 100% recyclable and made of 30% recyclable material. Okabashi's Maui sandals are guaranteed for two years, but when you’ve worn them out, you can send them back to Okabashi to re-use in new footwear. But what makes these flip flops unique, is that they can be washed in the dishwasher (on the high temperature, sanitize cycle).  But when flip flops get really dirty, you have to either throw them out, or soak them in a bucket and hope the plastic doesn’t deteriorate.  Not these!They are genuinely comfortable, and durable. with a contoured foot bed and massage beads and an arch support to make them good for pavement and not just grass or the beach.  The Thong, the part that nearly always rubs and rips the skin between my toes to shreds was so smooth, I had no problem walking in them. I think guys will love this idea, so I've put the product in the "For the Guys" section, but Okabashi Sandals are available in a wide variety of styles --for women and children, too!  See my larger review on the Advice Sisters Blog.

If you've been reading this entire column (you have been, haven't you?), you already know that Colgate-Palmolive has just introduced a new antiperspirant/deodorant called Lady Speed Stick Stainguard $2.49.  You have learned that this product is designed to stop odor and wetness, plus it has a patent-pending formula that helps fight stains and white residue on clothes.  That's great for women, but what about the guys?  Luckily, there is Speed Stick Stainguard 2.7 fl. oz $2.49 .  I have to honestly say that I'm one of the lucky one just for guys.  Like the ladies product, this one has 24-hour protection, and will help stop the unsightly stains on this tee shirts.  There's nothing more gross than a guy wearing a white undershirt with yellowed armpits. For a few dollars, you can give him the antiperspirant/deodorant protection he needs, and avoid dealing with unsightly, yellow residue, too.  Her will like the fresh, citrus-y scent,  and the wide, bold, blue swivel-up solid stick. 

Clean & Clear Morning Burst Facial Scrub $7.99 5 oz. in a gradated, orange,  flip top tube is not just for the guys, but I think guys really love the way it makes their skin feel.  Little orange beats burst open to gently exfoliate, while Vitamin C and Ginseng and a nice, citrus scent leave your skin feeing clean, fresh and hydrated for the day ahead. Clean & Clear is a line focused on those with acne, but it is gentle and non-drying, so even if you don't experience so many breakouts, you’re going to like it. It’s an affordable, pleasing,  and gentle cleanser/exfoliator. Another reason guys like it is that it's not girly, and they can't rip their face to shreds by overdoing the exfoliation. Everyone will be attracted to the uplifting, citrus scent, too. TIP:  There is also a Foaming Facial Cleanser for Sensitive Skin $7.99 8 fl. oz. The foaming lather quickly cleanses without drying out your skin and the oil-free formula melts away bronzers and other makeup, along with the days' dirt & oil.
 

PROTECTIVE MAKEUP:

 

 

Bobbi Brown has been making lip products that flatter, pamper and protect, for years, but their latest is Treatment Lip Shine SPF 15 $22.00.  The chic, slim tube holds a multi-tasking beautifier that uses natural cocoa and shea butters, jojoba, apricot kernel and avocado oils to comfort and soothe chapped, dry lips.  But it also has Vitamin C and paracress to stimulate collagen  production and to mitigate the look of fine lines and wrinkles.  Even better, this little powerhouse has SPF 5 to help protect against the sun's rays. This Lip Loving beautifier/treatment/balm/ protector is available in a dozen shades--so there's at least a few to delight everyone.   I tried just one:  Pink Glisten.  The medium-deep pink has just enough moisture to look healthy, not shimmery or overtly shiny. Too much "bling" is a distraction in the sunny days of Summer.  A lip product that can do l these good things is amazing, and this one is actually affordable.

Franciso Nars has been quoted as saying: "don't be so serious...it's only makeup."   But makeup can be serious, sometimes -- or at least, seriously great!  NARS Pure Sheer SPF Lip Treatment $25.00 is seriously wonderful. The iconic, matte, black NARS compact is re-invented as a chic, slim, swivel up stick. Inside long-lasting, color, moisture, and sun protection are infused into a lip gloss/balm,/treatment in six, sexy, sheer shades that can be worn alone or paired/layered with lipstick.  This product is a multi-tasker. If feels silky and luxurious, with lip-beautifying ingredients such as: Wild Mango Butter, Vitamin E, Polar Berries and Açai Oil.  But while it moisturizes and acts as a balm to banish dry flakes and cracked lips, it also has SPF to protect skin and it's still a beautifying lip gloss as well as a treatment and skin protector. The shades are sheer and subtle:  Aurore (seashell pink), Greta (mauve), Paloma (cantaloupe), Lara (pastel pink) Angélique (strawberry) and Bianca (pearl). This is a "no makeup" look that works for casual wear and the beach. Layer it over another NARS lipstick and make it sizzle with shine and some shimmer, too. Seriously...you will want at least one...maybe two...or three...or four.....

NVEY ECO by Maquillage Lip Lustre lip gloss $24.00 is made in Australia. While it doesn't have sun protection, it is 98% organic (the other 2% is purified water), and completely safe, even if your child gets into your beach tote, picks it up and eats it.  Key ingredients include beeswax, Vitamin E and safflower oil to make lips feel silky and hydrated, I tried  "Barely There," a light, girly pink.  The lip gloss comes in a clear tube with wanded sponge tipped top, that is so long and slim, it looks like a church spire. Inside a fusion of moisturizing ingredients that pamper lips, include the lovely scent of organic, orange Essential Oil. There are ten colors in all--at least one will entice you.   Apparently actress Natalie Portman is a fan of the eco-cert Lipsticks $28.00, too.

Instant Sun Light Click & Gloss SPF 6 $18.00 by Clarins,  comes in three flavors:  Vanilla (a pearly beige with subtle gold shimmer); Coral (a sparkling, pink coral) and Cinnamon (a subtle brown with pink reflections). A click-it pen with brush tip is the easiest, neatest way to tote gloss, especially in the summer, when gloss can get gloppy. It has a virtual "Cocktail" of lip care ingredients, and an SPF 6 for good, daily protection if you're just "out and about." There is a very light, fruity flavor (raspberry with a hint of vanilla) . I tried the Coral gloss.  It provided a natural glow with plenty of light reflecting particles to make lips pouty, without looking too made up.  I love lip gloss, and this one has made it into my top "must-haves" list for Summer 2010.

I have long been a fan of Softlips products They’re effective, easy to use, pleasant, and affordable. They come in a variety of formulas and flavors, most of which are subtle. Best of all, they contain SPF to protect your lips from the sun's damaging rays. All these products are also free of preservatives, phthlates, parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, and even, gluten. The Mentholatum Company, marketer of the USDA-certified organic Softlips Pure Lip Conditioning Balms, has expanded it’s line with new Softlips 100% Natural. The Pure 100% Natural Lip Butter $4.99 and Pure 100% Natural Lip Gloss $5.99 100% Natural Lip Tint $3.99 and Natural Lip Polish $5.99 give your lips SPF 15 (except for the exfoliator) protection with 6,5 % Zinc Oxide, and, depending upon the product, hydrating natural oils, including beeswax jojoba seed and other natural seed oils, coconut oil, and/or shea butter. I wrote a larger review of these products for the Advice Sisters Blog and hope you will check it out--or better yet: SUBSCRIBE TO THE BLOG.

We have reviewed items from PUR Minerals in the past, including one of my fave product, the excellent Correcting Primers Pur minerals products contain micronized minerals that give you excellent coverage, and still look like you were born with that great complexion. For Summer, I love the 4-in-1 pressed Powder makeup foundation with SPF 15 $25.00. The mirrored compact has room for a sponge applicator in the bottom half. The pressed, mineral powder formula means you wont[‘ make a mess with loose powder, and it's perfectly portable. If you are traveling, lighten your load by taking just this one compact to use as a natural mineral makeup, concealer, powder and a daily SPF 15 sunscreen, all in one. There is no talc, no fillers, nor petroleum based oils, but there is shea butter and Vitamin e to sooth your skin, while Zinc and Titanium provide the sun protection. The makeup goes on creamy, smooth, and somewhat sheer. It is good for all skin types, makes light of dry skin, and won't turn colors, on oily skin. There is a makeup planner tool on the Pur Minerals web site if you’re not sure what color you need, although the most helpful way to figure out what color is to run your computer mouse over each name, and see the color in the photo (it will change right on the page). As with all the mineral foundation, this one is natural enough to fudge the color choice.

In humid weather, even the most long wearing cosmetics can get a run for their money. And, when eye makeup runs, it can sting, and even cause infections.  Glo Minerals GloLid Primer $24.00 helps prevent oil from interfering with your eye makeup application.  It doesn't just keep the color fresh and vibrant, it also helps it last longer. Glo Minerals uses pharmaceutical-grade ingredients, triple-milled high-pigment minerals, and an advanced antioxidant complex of Vitamins A, C, and E and green tea extract to offer skin protection and support for healthy skin.  It also has broad-spectrum UV protection and helps to defend against free radical damage. The products are talc-free, non-comedogenic and free of perfumes and chemical dyes, making them suitable for even the most sensitive skin types, including those with acne and rosacea.  the GloLid Primer is creamy and easy to apply, and it has another multi-tasking benefit: if you have freckled or unevenly-tinted eyelids, the neutral flesh color will conceal the spots and keep the color, true.

Mineral makeup is all the rage, but loose powder minerals can be messy. One of the things I really like about BareMinerals ORIGINAL SPF 15 Foundation $25.00 is that it comes in a shaker jar with a click&lock top. Twist the shaker jar open to get the amount of powder you need, swish the Bare Escentuals Mineral Powder Brush in the powder, tapping the residue off, and swirl onto your face,  Then, simply twist the shaker top closed, cap the jar, and you're good to go.  Original SPF 15 Foundation. Mineral makeup can be hard to apply smoothly, but this one is advertised as feeling like a cream.  Well, maybe not quite, but it is quite silky (I still recommend applying a good moisturizer and/or primer, first). Once it is on your skin it feels weightless, but if makes your complexion much smoother. For those who have  sensitive skin, this is really a perfect choice to give you at least a minimal SPF 15 protection from the sun on a daily basis plus the polished (but not overly done) look you want. There is some luminosity in this as well, so your skin will glow--slightly and what there isn't is irritants, such as: Parabens, Sulfates, Synthetic Fragrances, Synthetic Dyes, Petro-Chemicals, or  Phthalates. I tried a new shade of this favorite product called Fairly Medium." As with all mineral makeup, this one is sheer and layerable, with colors so natural you can fudge the tones a bit. But this new shade is especially great for women with light-to-medium skin with pink undertones. This is a mineral makeup to really use, and love!

 

 ABOUT THE ADVICE SISTERS "What Works" Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion  Reviews: 

The Advice Sisters web site and blog offer impartial, up-close-and-personal product reviews, conducted by  expert beauty & fashion reviewer, Alison Blackman Dunham.  If other opinions are included in a  review, "we" (instead of "I") is used.

My Review Philosophy: This beauty, fashion and cosmetics review column is called "What Works" (not what doesn't). I want to direct you to what I think are great products, not denigrate those I didn't like (but you might love).  All beauty reviews are subjective. It's my responsibility to describe products in a way that offers information, but allows you to use your own, good judgment about whether to buy it or not. I have tested thousands of products and that gives me a strong background on which to base my comments, but in the end, the decision to try something is yours, alone.

A Signature Approach    Many online publications and blogs find it easier and more economical to just post photos and press releases of products "as if" they have actually used them, or offer their readers canned reviews someone else has written.  The Advice Sisters only post original reviews and comments about products I  (or another, qualified, adult reviewer) have actually tried,  This approach takes much more time and effort, but it is what distinguishes The Advice Sisters from a lot of others. I know you appreciate the difference.

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