I received a lot of email about my latest Byte Size TV segment explaining sun safety and how to protect your kids from the summer sun.
So for all who have been asking — and those who have not yet but are planning — here are my top picks for kid and family friendly sunscreens in no particular order.
“Hi Dan, can you tell me what you think is better - La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 with Mexoryl SX or Vichy Mexoryl 60?”
All sunscreens with a rating of SPF 30 or higher are equally as good when it comes to blocking a significant portion of UV rays, so don’t fall for the myth that you will be getting more protection with an SPF 60. SPF 30 sunscreens block about 95% of UV rays while an SPF 60 blocks about 96%.
A few years ago I was introduced to the TANDA Clear system, which is the first and only Health Canada approved home care light system to treat acne breakouts. TANDA utilizes the same type of light dermatologists have used for years to treat acne breakout. Being an acne sufferer myself I am always looking for ways to really keep my skin blemish free.
One of the fastest growing trends in cosmetics in the blurring of the distinction between skin care and make up. It was true, years ago, that make up was something that could seriously impede the benefits of skin care. That has changed a lot in the last few years. More and more make up type items are much closer to being skin care than traditional beauty enhancing formulas.
Clinique, with this new product, is definitely following that trend.
I was at a party the other day and someone asked me what is the big difference between all the different types of stores that sell name brand cosmetics.
Some facts:
1. There is no difference in the quality or safety of name brand products sold at department stores vs. discount stores. Example: Elizabeth Arden products sold at The Bay are the same products sold at Costco.
@boredmommy tweeted @yummymummyclub asking me to review Philosophy Hope in a Jar. As always I am glad to let you know the real deal on any and all cosmetics.
I know it is still cold outside but I was reminded this week that spring is just around the corner. I lost my gloves the other night and decided to go and buy a new pair yesterday – well wouldn't you know it, I went to six stores and none of them had any gloves in stock. Even with the -20 degree weather everything in stock was linen, shorts, light weight suits – a sure sign spring is really here.
With that thought in mind I remembered I wrote an article a few months ago about the new Spring 2011 make up trends.
@LauraMunroe tweeted: “Ombrelle has formulations for face & body. . .but is it a waste of money to buy one specifically for your face?”
Ombrelle is one of the L’Oreal groups best selling sunscreen lines and it has a wide range of products on offer. It is known for using Mexoryl SX as the primary sunscreen. Mexoryl SX is a brand name for a sunscreen used in almost every commercially produced sunscreen lotion on the market. Its technical name is terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid.
Physicians Formula Organicwear 100% Natural Origin Tinted Moisturizer - $17.50 for 44mL
Well that is quite a mouth full for a product name. I am not really sure how that came about but I can certainly imagine a room full of marketing specialists all naming the product by committee. “Let’s make sure it is all things to all people.” or “Natural, 100%, organic, all these have to be in the name of the product.”
This all purpose cleanser is marketed as a makeup remover but it also makes for a general face cleanser. Well suited to the dry, cold Canadian winter it adds lots of moisture with out disrupting the skin’s natural pH (no toner required). The surfactant (active cleanser) is the same surfactant found in many foaming face washes and as such this product can be used with water to create a gentle foaming cleanser.
I often get feedback from readers saying they love the products I review but wish I would list more products I think they should buy.
There are good products from every line and at every price point. What is more important is to be aware of the ingredients used in the formula. Every reputable brand lists the entire list of ingredients on the packaging. This list is called the INCI list. Forget the fancy ingredient names listed on the front of the jar. The important ingredient list is the small print.
PEG is found in almost all over the counter cosmetics and is used primarily to help the active ingredients penetrate into the skin. Without PEG products would sit on the surface of the skin and consumers would have to use significantly more actual finished product to attain the benefits provided.
I have written about this before but is obviously requires repeating. This is one of the most common myths about the safety of cosmetics around. I have heard it for almost two decades and guess what – not one single reported case of brain cancer associated with using shampoos or cleansers containing SLS.
With just 17 shopping days left until the annual gift exchange is upon us I thought I might highlight some of the best beauty gifts available this year.
With office gift exchange, neighbourhood parties, unexpected guests and yes that person who says, “Let’s not exchange gifts.” but then buys you one anyway, we all need a few items around that don’t cost too much and also make a great impact.
Here is my list of great buys for Holiday 2010 (all under $50):
I thought I might share some of my “quick-change” make up tips that appear in the article. Read the whole article to see all my favourite products for this easy and fast make up trick.
Daywear: 1. Wear a tinted moisturizer instead of foundation. It stays fresh looking all day. 2. Keep eye shadows to a basic two-tone finish – one matte and one shimmer.
