10 Sun Safety Tips for Outdoors Enthusiasts

At the beach, by the tennis court, or on the hiking trail, protection is the word. With skin cancer on the rise, particularly among 15-29 year olds¹, The Women’s Dermatologic Society has released summer sun safety tips and other new resources to heighten awareness. A generously applied broad spectrum sunscreen is the obvious starting point, but lip protection, a broad-brimmed hat, and UV protective sunglasses should also be considered essential this summer.


1. Apply a UVA and UVB sunscreen (broad-spectrum) with an SPF of 15 or higher 30 minutes before going outdoors

2. Use a golf-ball sized amount of sunscreen (one ounce) to cover your entire body.

3. Re-apply every two hours - even on a cloudy or cool day.

4. 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.

5. Cover your lips with sun protective lip balm or sunscreen.

6. Check expiration dates on your sunscreen to ensure effectiveness.

7. Seek shade whenever possible, and cover yourself with a golf umbrella between holes.

8. Wear a broad-brimmed hat (preferably with a back flap) instead of baseball caps to help protect your face, ears and neck.

9. Protect your eyes with UV-protective sunglasses.

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


• Any skin lesion that crusts, bleeds or does not heal should be examined by a dermatologist promptly.

• Moles that itch, bleed or change in size, shape or color should be examined promptly.

• Have your skin thoroughly examined by a dermatologist at least once a year, or as recommended by your dermatologist.

Beauty Solutions: DIY Waxing Kit

To shave or not to shave? That is almost always the question when it comes to dealing with the bikini area. Shaving certainly is convenient. It's there when you need it, you don't have to make an appointment, you don't have to bare your unmentionables to a stranger and it's free (once you buy the razor, that is). Of course, after even the best shaves, stubble, can rear its ugly head and make you remember why you hate shaving! The itching, the discomfort and that's AFTER the red, raised, bumps and irritation that happen right after shaving. When you put it all together, maybe shaving isn't the best way to clean up that bikini line.

One of the most popular methods for removing hair from the bikini area is waxing. Though waxing is not a permanent method for hair removal, when done properly, waxing can keep the bikini area smooth for as long as six weeks, says Lynn McGalliard, a certified esthetician at Parks Salon in Valencia, California (a Los-Angeles suburb). McGalliard stresses that in order to achieve the best results, you should wait until the hair has grown to at least 1/4 to 1/2 inch before scheduling an appointment. If the hair is longer, the esthetician will trim the hair with scissors before using the wax.

With that said - for the DIY (Do It Yourself) woman, I recommend using the Spa Wax Hair Removal Kit. Only $9.99, it will leave your skin smooth and hair-free for up to 8 weeks. When the hair does regrow, it is much thinner and finer. With the Spa Wax Hair Removal Kit, you don't experience that itchiness and stubble that comes with the hair growing back. The Wax Hair Removal also minimizes your risks of getting bikini bumps because the entire hair is removed; not just the surface part of the hair, as in shaving. I'd be lying if I said waxing didn’t hurt, but the process is so fast that any pain or discomfort is transient. The Spa Wax Hair Removal Kit is formulated with lavender, making this kit good for those with sensitive skin. And to top it off, it comes with a Soothing Azulene Finishing Oil.

Here are some important facts to keep in mind before you wax: First, do not to exercise prior to waxing. This can make the skin more sensitive because the perspiration just under the skin's surface can make it more difficult for the wax to adhere properly to the skin and hair. When attempting to remove the wax strip, it can pull the skin, which is very painful and can even cause bruising. Be sure not to wax after a tanning session. Also, menstruation can make your skin more sensitive, thereby increasing the discomfort associated with the procedure. And finally, if you use Accutane, or apply Retin-A and Retin-A-containing products such as Renova to the bikini area: stay away from waxing! Vitamin A meds and creams have the theoretical potential of increasing skin fragility which can result in tearing when the wax is removed. Now that you know the ins and outs of waxing - you are now free to remove your unwanted hair safely.

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"

- Suzanna

Top 10 Must Haves For a Summer Weekend Away

Packing just got easier with these casual-cool summer must haves for a cottage, ocean or urban escape. In this video we create 4 different fashion looks with the latest summer accessories, all of which are practical, pretty and affordable.

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"

- Suzanna

Women's Swimwear Trends For 2009

We're only a few weeks into summer which means that its only going to get warmer. If you haven't shopped for your swimwear yet you still have time and we can help you. The swimwear styles this summer are going from colorfully patterned to the cut-away bikini - which is one of the hottest swimwear fashion trends for 2009. Take a look into a bikini fashion show with the colorful and eye-catching pieces of the season that you can choose from.

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"

- Suzanna