Simple Things Sunday - Marco

A few days ago I was fortunate enough to visit Marco Island.  I fell in love with the beach, the white sand and it's beautiful sunset.  Who says you need to travel far to get a little bit of paradise?  

Visit all the other Simple Things on Rebecca's site by clicking here

-Hizles

How to keep your makeup in place this summer

Living where there is humidity nearly every single day 24/7 a girl has to be careful what to use in terms of makeup.  In the past I have used MAC’s Fix+ to set my makeup but unfortunately it has not provided the setting power I need.  I had hear about Model in a Bottle and decided I would give that a go but after trying it a number of times, with powder foundation, liquid and cream, it failed every time.  The best way I can describe the look is much like a topcoat of nail polish, a shiny coat.  Blagggh!  My face felt sticky and as if I had a piece of plastic wrap on my face.  What a disappointment!

Just when I thought that there was nothing else that could keep my make up and oil at bay, I discovered these two wonderful products.  The funny thing is that all though Urban Decay De-Slick is an Oil Control Setting Spray and labeled under UDC it is also a product of Skindinavia. 

I have always had combination skin.  More oily during the hot months and a bit more dry, patchy during the cold and winter months, but now that I am always exposed to humidity and sweating evern when I just walk outside these two are my new best friends.  I will be sure to always keep these in stock. 

A clear proof of how well these product work for me was when I went to the park during the hottest part of the day, 12-2PM, and found that although I did sweat my makeup was still standing, with minimal change.  The oil and shine was noticeably less than without the setting spray. 

On their website both are said to keep makeup on all day, control shine and oil without drying, and help makeup from shifting. 

Since I do have both and have had a chance to compare the two, I would repurchase either one because I find they both work exactly the same.  As for cost, they are both priced at $29 each for a 4oz. bottle, not cheap but is definitely worth the investment ;-)

-Hizles

Need a smile, look at him ...

This little guy is never upset and always wants to make me smile. 

Photo was taken right before he attacked me with his tongue.

-Hizles

Taking it All Off!

Wow!  Two post in less than 24hrs!? WHAT!!!!

So here is my follow-up to my last post …

Sunscreens are great but let me be clear, they are a nightmare to take off especially if you have layered throughout the day.  Much like deodorant, they are thick and won’t budge in water.  Soap and water aren’t enough to breakdown deodorant or sunscreen.  This is why I use an oil-based cleanser to help and melt the product, which make it so much easier to wash off.  Deodorants leave a film which if no exfoliation is done tend to build up.  I know it happens to everyone.  Be honest.  Unless you are using a roll-on, can't really speak for roll-ons since I'm more of a stick kinda gal ;-)

Here are a few of my favorite oil cleaners:

I use both Shiseido and MAC for my face only but they could of course be used on the body as well. 

By now you all probably already know how much I love L’Occitane.  Their Almond Shower Oil is my favorite for the body.  It’s not just something I recommend to breakdown sunscreen but it works great for shaving.  My legs are super soft and it works better than shaving gel.  One less thing I have to carry while traveling right?

Eucerin’s Calming Body Wash Oil makes a good alternative to L’Occitane if you are looking for something over the counter. 

Let me know if you know of other alternatives to removing stubborn creams or lotions.  I am always open to trying new things.

-Hizles

Preparing for Summer

It may not officially be summer but is sure does feel like it is.  During the spring and summer months the need to be outdoors is mandatory, especially when little people want to escape from indoor boredom.  The first thing I make sure I do before applying any makeup is to apply sunscreen to my face and body, regardless on weather it is sunny or cloudy.  With all the skin cancer scares and the amount of time we spend outside it is important we always put sunscreen on.  One of my favorite sunscreens for all ages is Shiseido Ultimate Water-Resistant with SPF 60.  

I like how it is not greasy and a little goes a long way.  If for some reason I am not using this particular brand for my face, I use the Origins Brighter by Nature Moisturizer, which has 35 SPF.  When my skin feels extra dry or I have had one too many cups of coffee, this works great since it’s a great moisturizer.

  

Two of my other favorite sunscreens are Johnson & Johnson Baby Daily Face & Body Lotion and Badger Unscented SPF 30+.   Applying sunscreen in the morning isn’t enough though, it’s important to re-apply mid-day especially since we sweat it off or if we are playing in the pool or beach.  Whenever we head to the beach I see parents slathering sunscreen on their kids and themselves but applying it while your there isn’t when you should apply.  All sunscreens, if you read the label, clearly indicate you should apply 30 minutes before you are exposed to the sun.  I have yet to come across one sunscreen label that did not read this in their directions. 

When I am looking at sunscreens I avoid any with active ingredients that read: Oxybenzone, Retinal or insect repellent.  Vitamin A is not something you want on your skin during the day and exposed to the sun.  If you don’t believe me, Google it!  And don’t get me started on spray sunscreen, NO BUENO.

I have not gone completely “Chemical-Free”-obviously, but I do cut down wherever possible.  

For me applying sunscreen isn’t enough though.  Protecting my eyes is important as well.  My family and I go nowhere during the day without our sunglasses.  From the youngest to the oldest … sunglasses is a must.  And because sunglasses and sunscreen can’t provide shade, a hat completes our protection; however, I am guilty of skipping on the hat.  I am working on that though. 

I hope this post got you thinking on what you do or don’t apply to your skin before you head out the door this summer.  Enjoy the Vitamin D outdoors with safety!

-Hizles