Beauty Solutions: Choosing The Right Sunscreen

If you have ever been to the sunscreen aisle at your local drugstore, you know how overwhelming it can be: SPF this, UVA that and then throw in UVBs in the mix and the sunscreen confusion begins!

Choosing the Right SPF in Sunscreen:

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. The higher the SPF number, the better protection against the sun's harmful UVB rays. The SPF number lets you know how much longer you can stay out of the sun without burning. For example, if it takes 15 minutes for a person to burn, an SPF 15 will allow them to stay out in the sun 15 times longer without burning.The American Academy of Dermatology recommends wearing an SPF of 15 or higher for maximum protection. SPF is available in levels from 2 to 60. Does highest mean the best protection? Not necessarily. An SPF of 50 only provides 1% to 2% more protection than an SPF 30. Ideally a $5.99 CVS/Walgreens SPF 15 Sunscreen Lotion like the one on the right will do the trick.

UVA and UVB Protection:

The label of the sunscreen will indicate the UVA or UVB protection. UVA rays are responsible for the aging effect of the sun; however, overexposure to UVA rays can cause skin cancer.UVB rays are responsible for sunburns and skin cancer. Choose a product that states, "UVA/UVB," protection or has "broad spectrum" protectant. I recommend Alaur's UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30 from Spalook.com.

Waterproof vs. Water Resistant:

If you are looking for a sunscreen to use while in the water, choose a sunscreen that is "waterproof" or "water resistant.""Waterproof" sunscreen should provide protection in the water for 80 minutes, while "water resistant" provides only 40 minutes of protection. The Topix Waterproof Hydrating Cream Sunscreen SPF 30 from SkinCareRX.com is one of the best waterproof sunscreens on the market. It keeps the skin moist, soft, and smooth while shielding from the sun even during swimming and other strenuous activities.


Source:
U. S. Food and Drug Administration. Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Office of Cosmetics and Colors Fact Sheet June 27, 2000; Sunscreens, Tanning Products, and Sun Safety

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"

Willie D

Opi's South Beach Collection Review:

Take a lesson from Crayola’s book and go back to the drawing board!

Anyone who knows me is familiar with my appreciation of colors. When asked what's my favorite color, my response is usually "All of them!" There are just too many to choose from and I don't want to leave out one. As a child I placed Barbie aside and collected Crayola Crayons and paint..... Sometimes mixing together the paint and nail polish. They allowed me to express my self and creativity. Now that I look back, I was a cosmetologist in training but didn't know it. As I look at this season's nail lacquer collection, I can't help but to reminisce on my childhood memories.

I viewed Opi’s highly anticipated 2009 South Beach collection and have to say that I am very disappointed. This collection lacked bright hues gloss. Even the “Brightest of Bright” is outwardly dull. These shades are said to “Capture the color, the fashion, and the trend-setting excitement from the world’s most stylish celeb playground” but it does not. I don’t get the South Beach impression when I look at these colors. When I think of South Beach the colors that I envision are Sunset Orange, Laser Lemon, Salmon, Inch Worm, Caribbean Green, Pacific Blue, Pink Flamingo, Scarlet, and Radical Red (to name a few). It disappoints me when companies spend more money on marketing and advertising than the actual quality of the product.

Opi should take a lesson from Crayola’s book and go back to the drawing board.

Would I recommend buying from this collection: No, instead opt for Sephora by Opi. Same name, older colors and better varieties, but it’ll have to do for now ... here are 3 of my go for it! picks

I'm Wired Charge It! (24k gold)

Arm Candy