Sunscreen: The Dailies

Here in the Boston area, it felt like we skipped spring and jumped straight into summer with 80 degree + days. I'm not complaining though. After record breaking snow falls (boo!!) I'm just so happy that the sun is shining and I'm not sinking into a 7 foot snow drift. But all that glorious sunshine leads to a major issue: sunscreen. 

It ain't just for the beach these days.

Tarte TarteGuard SPF 30 oil-free moisturizer // Jergens Natural Glow Protect Daily Moisturizer SPF 20

You guys, the beauty industry answered my prayers for a gradual tanning body lotion with SPF included. More specifically, Jergens came through for me. Luckily, I've already been an avid applier of the gradual sunless tanning body lotions (and yes, even though I'm super pale the medium to tan skintones is the one I use and it still looks subtle and natural) so to have it also contain a sunscreen is a BIG bonus. Now as the photo indicates, these are my everyday lotions with sunscreen. If I'm at the beach or outside a lot, that's a whole different sunscreen. 

The TarteGuard facial moisturizer is not only oil-free and super lightweight, but it also contains a physical SPF 30! It goes on a little white, but once it's fully rubbed in the whiteness disappears. It also wears perfectly under makeup. 

Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral SPF 45 // Supergoop Setting Mist with Rosemary SPF 50 

Ruby is obsessed with being outside, and we all know reapplying sunscreen is where it's at, but who wants to mess up their flawless makeup application? Um, no one. And Supergoop totally understands that and that's why they created an SPF 50 (chemical sunscreen) makeup setting spray. That's right, not only will it mattify that oily, sweaty complexion, it will keep the makeup in place and provide you with some extra sun protection. Win win! Supergoop made this bad boy in two sizes, the one pictured above is the small travel one, perfect for keeping in my purse.

I know I've professed my love of the Peter Thomas Roth SPF 45 powder mineral sunscreen before, but it goes without saying that this is essential for my hairline and part. The last thing my thin hair needs is a gloppy sunscreen weighing it down more than gravity already does. And even though this powder is a little yellow, once I rub it in it's not noticeable and it even absorbs oil. This is another one I keep in my purse at all times.


So, what are the sunscreens you use everyday?

The Triple Threat: Brands that are natural and offer skincare & cosmetics

I can't tell you how many news "anchors" have thrown around the phrase, "New Year, New You" (gag) when segueing to a topic focused on health. But since January is a time to focus on re-booting your body I thought it might be nice to look at some brands that will help you keep it clean (inside and out). There are plenty of brands on the market that are just skincare or just cosmetics... but to do both (and do it well) while also using natural, good-for-you ingredients... well it's a tall order. Here are four brands that fit the bill:


1. Tarte

You may remember that I already wrote about the Tarte Maracuja oil before and I'm still a big fan. Tarte originally started out as a cosmetics brand that labeled themselves as "healthy couture" but in the past couple of years they've branched out into skincare as well. Not only do they have the oil, they have a great mask, eye cream and self-tanner for the body (most of the products are either infused with an Amazonian Clay or the Maracuja oil). The skincare side isn't that large yet, but I've been impressed with what they have to offer and I wouldn't be surprised if they continue to expand it. You can find Tarte at Sephora and QVC.



2. Dr. Hauschka

Similar to Tarte, Dr. Hauschka was originally just a skincare brand but now they offer beautiful cosmetics. Practically every product is infused with a good-for-you essential oil. Dr. Hauschka's brand is really extensive and while you can find a good selection at Whole Foods, many local spa's and salon's offer treatments and makeup applications with the products- what a treat!



3. Juice Beauty

Yes, Juice Beauty uses juice in their products (not water) making their products super concentrated and effective. They're famous for their Green Apple Peel, but now they've got some great cosmetics too (their tinted lip balms are some of my personal faves). Ulta and Whole Foods both carry Juice Beauty products.


4. Josie Maran

Sephora and QVC both carry this supermodel's super brand. Yes, Josie Maran is a model turned skincare-enthusiast/business woman. She discovered Argan oil while traveling for a shoot and loved all of its healing and emollient properties- and she's managed to permeate her products with the amazing ingredient. Her line is still small but definitely growing (don't you just love the rose gold packaging?).


**Have you tried any of these products? Any other natural brands (that have skincare and cosmetics) out there that you'd recommend?