REVIEW: Bliss Labs – Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask

Well, here is another product that I bought at Sephora recently and of course, apparently I totally wasted my money. I always am a sucker for positive reviews by the sales people. Yes, it is tingly but it really isn’t doing anything. I should have read the ingredients better. Here is my favorite guru, Paula Begoun’s review of Bliss Labs Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask. You can read Paula’s full reviews in her book Don’t Go To the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, 7th Edition by Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron [Publisher: Beginning Press] or on her websites http://www.cosmeticscop.com and http://www.beautypedia.com.

 

Bliss Labs – Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask

Price:   $52.00/3.4 ounces

 

Claims:

A super-quick-fix for dull, tired, sallow, ‘I’m sick of my’ skin. Engineered to mimic the effects of our spa’s famous triple oxygen facial (but in seconds), this fabulous new complexion brightening formula uses every ‘tech’ in the book to work to furnish you with a fresher, younger-looking face.

 

Review:

Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask brings us a “complexion brightening” formula that claims to use “every technology in the book to work to furnish you with a fresher, younger-looking face”—but that doesn’t explain why the backbone of this formulation is closer to a cleanser than any age-erasing treatment product. The second ingredient is methyl perfluorobutyl ether, a mild solvent used most often for industrial, not cosmetic, purposes, and it can release oxygen in the presence of water. But the issue this fails to address is that supplying oxygen to otherwise healthy skin isn’t beneficial—after all, oxygen is a prime source of free-radical damage. Further, if Bliss is pro-oxygen, why did they include antioxidants in this product that would in effect block the oxygen from having any impact? This product is a waste of time and a bigger waste of money at the ludicrous price of $52.

 

So, there you have it. Another $52 bucks I wasted.

 

MIA

No, I’m not really MIA – I just have not had much to post about lately. Actually, I don’t have any money to buy anything to post about (haha). Just kidding.  I’ll be back soon posting items that Paula Begoun adores and loathes. 

Here’s hoping we all have a great 2009!

Review of SEPHORA Makeup

Ah, Sephora – my favorite store! I never get out of there under $100 though. I remember when Sephora first came to Charlotte – I thought I’d died and gone to heaven. It has sky rocketed in the retail world and has made a huge name for itself in their on-line sales as well. Of course, you can buy some of the same products at some big box retailers such as Belk and Nordstrom but I still prefer to shop at Sephora.

 

I am not a huge fan of Sephora’s brand of makeup and I thought I would post a few items that Paula Begoun states are great. Unfortunately, there are not that many. Maybe in the years to come they will focus more on the product and not the flashy product packaging!

 

Here is Paula’s review of Sephora – of course, you can read Paula’s full reviews in her book Don’t Go To the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, 7th Edition by Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron [Publisher: Beginning Press] or on her websites www.cosmeticscop.com and www.beautypedia.com

 

Sephora At-A-Glance

Strengths: Inexpensive; some good cleansers and makeup removers; the Blotting Papers; good powder foundation; the Light Touch Highlighter; Impressive blush and shiny eyeshadow options; great metallic finish eyeliner; awesome brow kit; bountiful selection of lipsticks and lip glosses; a couple of very good mascaras; several outstanding makeup brushes; the Luminizer shimmer lotion; testers are available in-store for each product, and sales pressure is practically nonexistent.

 

Weaknesses: Mostly average to below-average toners, moisturizers, and sunscreens; no options for those dealing with acne or skin discolorations; some SPF-rated products (including foundations) lack sufficient UVA-protecting actives; the lip plumper is too irritating; too many disappointing eye-makeup products, including several disappointing eyeliners and brow pencils; unappealing shimmer powders.

 

**The BEST Sephora makeup products by Paula Begoun**

 

>Extreme Lash Mascara ($14.00)

>Eye Dew – Liquid ($10.00)

>FACE Exfoliator & Mask, for Normal Skin ($12.00)

>FACE Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover ($10.00)

>Lengthening Mascara ($10.00)

>Long Lasting Metallic Eyeliner ($10.00)

>Luminizer  Sephora ($22.00)

>Roll-Up Blotting Papers ($8.00)

>Sephora Brushes ($4.00-$40.00)

LungStrong RUN – 10/18/08 – Charlotte, NC

Lee and I are volunteering in the LungStrong 15K (run) / 5K (run/walk) on Saturday, October 18, 2008 at in honor of our friend, Jennifer Bunich, who died suddenly in February from stage 4 lung cancer. Jen had only a few minor symptoms and she was NOT a smoker.

 

LungStrong (http://www.lungstrong.com/) is a local organization putting on a race and funds raised from this race will go to Lungevity (http://www.lungevity.org/), a research organization out of Chicago, as well as Presbyterian Hospital’s Cancer Ward. This will be the second year of this event and we plan to continue this effort each year and even take the LungStrong organization to a national level.

 

We are desperate for volunteers! We are in need of over 120 volunteers. PLEASE consider helping us and the fight of lung cancer and sign up to volunteer. Of course, we welcome runners, walkers, sponsors (aka, those who want their name on a banner) and even those who would like to make a simple donation. As a family or friend, I hope you will join us in honoring and remembering our friend, Jennifer Bunich.

 

Saturday, 10/18/08: Jetton Village – Lake Norman, NC (Rain or Shine)

 

This is a family event – so please bring your spouses and children and there is a kids race/walk as well.

 

There will be many vendors including: Great Harvest Bread Co., Kiss 95.1 & K104.7, Lowes Foods, Mac’s BBQ, Michael Waltrip Racing, Michelob Ultra, Monkey Joe’s, Motor Sports Authentics, Peak Fitness, Performance Therapy, Raceworld USA, RJ Gators, Run For Your Life, Foster’s Grill, Mowi Wowi and Juice Plus.

 

If you are interested in volunteering, please either sign up on-line at http://www.lungstrong.com/ or let me or Lee know and we will sign you up. It at all possible, we need volunteers to sign up BEFORE the race – NOT the day of the race.

 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:

 

Race Greeters

To be stationed (in race t-shirt) at the Jetton Village parking lot to help guide our runners, walkers, friends, and families to registration and packet pick-up. As our Race Ambassadors, you will be stocked with maps and info to help answer questions, provide directions, and happily get people where they need to go.

 

Course Marshalls

You’ll spread out over the entire course, help set-up barricades and cones, and monitor turns and intersections. You will direct runners so that they stay on course, keeping cars off the course, and keeping the course safe during the duration of the event.

 

Water Station

You will fill and hand out cups of water to runners as they run by. After runners go by, you will clean up the station by raking up cups and filling trash bags.

 

Race Day Registration and Packet Pick Up

You will distribute runner’s bib numbers, hand out t-shirts, answer questions, accept registration forms and fees, collect pledges, assign race numbers, and keep area clean and well-stocked.

 

Finish Line

You will help keep runners moving through the finish line and direct them to post-race refreshments.

 

Post-Race Refreshments

You will serve post-race refreshments (bananas, pretzels, bagels, etc.) at the end of the race. Some volunteers may also be needed to pick up food (bagels) the morning of the race.

 

Race Set-Up and Tearn Down

You will set-up tables, tents, chairs, trash cans, hang banners, and install fencing for the race. Following the race all materials will be broken down and loaded on trucks for return and storage. This activity may require some heavy lifting (40-60 lbs.)

 

Kids Fun Run/Walk

You will cheer on our little athletes.

 

Thanks for your support!

Birthday Wishes to Jen Bunich!

Today is Jen Bunich’s birthday. As you may know Jen passed away in February of this year from advanced lung cancer with little or no signs and she was not a smoker! She was the co-Founder of Charlotte Smarty Pants and would be so happy to know that today, her birthday, CSP was nominated by viewers as the “Best Blog of 2008” in Creative Loafing. We miss her everyday.

bareMinerals Buxom Babes Tint Lipgloss

While I am not a fan of the brand bareMinerals, I do like some of their lip products. I just bought the bareMinerals Buxom Babes Tints ($28.00) at ULTA a few days ago and I am shocked at how much I love them. Now, they don’t really ‘plump’ as it says it will, but they do have something that feels like it plumping, but it is not. It’s a cool, refreshing feeling though and they come in 4 lightly scented flavors and my favorite – they are compact and easy to use – you don’t need a mirror! AND, believe it or not, you CAN wear all 4 colors. 

 

>Cherry Buxom (sheer poppy shine/ cherry-scented)

>Coco Buxom (sheer butter shine/ coconut-scented)

>Margarita Buxom (sheer raspberry shine/ berry-lime scented)
>Melonie Buxom (sheer fuchsia shine/ melon-scented)

 

BEST from 2008 Medial Tour Products from Paula Begoun

Just released: Paula’s Best 2008 Media Tour ‘Least Expensive’ and ‘Expensive Products’. Of course, you can read Paula’s reviews in her book Don’t Go To the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, 7th Edition by Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron [Publisher: Beginning Press] or on her websites www.cosmeticscop.com and www.beautypedia.com

 

Note from Paula: My Best Products list is now even better! The list of products below has been slightly revised from my original selection due to recent discontinuations of products. Please also keep in mind that although not every product on the list below was rated a Paula’s Pick, that does not mean they’re not worth considering.

 

Best Water Soluble Cleansers for All Skin Types

>CeraVe – Hydrating Cleanser ($11.49 for 12 oz)

>La Mer – The Cleansing Lotion ($65 for 6.7 oz)

 

Best Scrubs

>Olay – Definity Pore Redefining Scrub ($9.99 for 5 oz)

>Dior – Exfoliating Face Scrub ($31 for 2.5 oz)

 

Best Makeup Removers

>Neutrogena – Oil-Free Makeup Remover ($6.99 for 5.5 oz)

>Paula’s Choice – Gentle Touch Makeup Remover ($12.95 for 4 oz)

>Bobbi Brown – Instant Long Wear Makeup Remover ($22 for 3.4 oz)

 

Best Acne Products

>Neutrogena – Rapid Clear (2% BHA) ($5.54 for 1.7 oz)

>Clean & Clear – Persa Gel ($5.60 for 1 ounce)

>Oxy – Lotion Vanishing ($5.29 for 1 ounce)

>Paula’s Choice – 1% Beta Hydroxy Acid Gel ($17.95 for 4 oz)

>Paula’s Choice – Blemish Fighting Solution ($15.95 for 2.25 oz)

>N.V. Perricone – Outpatient Therapy Acne Treatment Gel Cream ($55 for 2 oz)

 

Best Moisturizers/Anti-wrinkle

>Olay – Regenerist Perfecting Cream ($18.99 for 1.7 oz)

>Neutrogena – Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Night Cream ($17.49 for 1.4 oz)

>Paula’s Choice – Hydrating Treatment Cream ($16.95 for 2 oz)

>Clinique – Repairwear Intensive Night Lotion ($47.50 for 1.7 oz)

>Estee Lauder – CP+ Perfectionist ($55 for 1 ounce)

 

Best Head to Toe Moisturizer

>CeraVe – Moisturizing Lotion ($12.99 for 12 oz)

>Paula’s Choice – Slip Into Silk Body Lotion ($15.95 for 8 oz)

>Olay – Age Transform Body Creme-Serum ($9.99 for 10.1 oz)

 

Best Serums for All Skin Types

>Garnier Nutritioniste – Skin Renew Daily Daily Regenerating Serum ($12.99 for 1.7 oz)

>Paula’s Choice – Super Antioxidant Concentrate ($22.95 for 1 oz)

>DDF – C3 Plus Serum ($62 for 0.5 oz)

 

Best Mineral Sunscreens and Daytime Moisturizers With Sunscreen

>Good Skin – All Calm Gentle Sunscreen SPF 25 ($12 for 1.7 oz)

>Dove – Energy Glow Brightening Moisturizer SPF 15 ($10.99 for 1.7 oz)

>Rodan & Fields – Reverse UVA/UVB Sunscreen SPF 15 ($35 for 1.7 oz)

 

Best Foundations With Sunscreen (SPF 15 or Greater)

>L’Oreal – True Match Super Blendable Makeup SPF 17 ($9.99)

>Shiseido – The Makeup Dual Balancing Foundation SPF 17 ($36)

 

Best Liquid Concealers

>Maybelline – Instant Age Rewind Under Eye Concealer ($5.39)

>Yves Saint Laurent – Touché Eclat Radiant Touch ($39.50)

 

Best Pressed Powders

>Cover Girl – Trublend Pressed Powder ($6.99)

>M.A.C. – Mineralized Skinfinish ($24.50)

 

Best Powder Blushes

>Jane – Blushing Cheeks Blush ($3.79)

>Estee Lauder – Tender Blush ($25)

 

Best Powder Eyeshadows

>Elf – Custom Eyes ($1)

>Paula’s Choice – Soft Matte Eyeshadow Trios ($10.95)

>Bobbi Brown – Eyeshadow ($19)

 

Best Lip Glosses

>Cover Girl – Wet Slicks ($5.19)

>Sisley Phyto – Lip Star ($52)

 

Best Mascaras

>L’Oreal – Lash Architect 3-D Dramatic Mascara ($8.29, straight or curved brush)

>Cover Girl – Lash Blast Mascara ($8.99)
>Chanel -Sculpte Cils Sculpting Mascara Extreme Length Fine Lashes ($25)

My latest STEAL from Bag, Borrow, or Steal

I am an avid fan of BBS although I stick to the under $50.00 a month bags. Some of the bags rent for over $500.00 a month–that is nuts to me. If you have the financial ability to rent a $500 bag for 30 days then you should just buy the bag for crying out loud!

 

You can also buy ‘gently used’ bags at deeply discounted prices at the BBS Outlet. In the Outlet there are new products every Wednesday and additional reductions every Friday.

 

I just purchased this bag – a brown and taupe Andrea Brueckner Tierney City Handbag for $185.00! It retails for $650.00. Yay for me!

 

Andrea Brueckner was born in Canada but studied fashion design at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Her debut handbag line was released in 2004. Many of Hollywood’s women sport her bags, including Jessica Alba.

Lip Gloss that really lasts?

I have a ton of lipsticks, lip gloss’ and lip stains. Of the many that I have tried over the years, I only have a few that I wear consistently. I’m always searching for a better one – one that really does stay put, not to sticky or slick, moisturizers, compact enough to fit in my pocket, easy to apply when you don’t have a mirror handy.

 

I found 2 that are great and I wear them almost every day. It’s amazing that not only are they really affordable but really do stay on.

 

L’Oreal Colour Riche Lip Gloss $8.95 ($4.99 at ULTA)

A lightweight lip gloss infused with moisturizing and nourishing Vitamin E and Omega 3 oils. This unscented formula leaves lips shiny and glossy with a hint of subtle shimmer. Does not contain an SPF.

 

REVIEW BY PAULA BEGOUN: Colour Riche Lip Gloss is L’Oreal’s best lip gloss, period! It has a silky yet moisturizing texture that imparts sheer to medium color (depending on the shade) and leaves lips with a glossy finish free of stickiness. The shades, including the goes-with-anything Rich Pink, are bound to please—and don’t be nervous about trying the deeper hues; each goes on softer than it appears.

 

I couldn’t agree more, it is SO moisturizing and the color stays on. I love this stuff!

 

L’Oreal Infallible Lip Gloss – $9.99

This lip gloss feels good and looks very pretty. It definitely stays on longer than most lip gloss but not for 6 hours like the ad says. Put it on with a light hand – otherwise, it will feel tacky after a while and will bleed. There are 16 shades. It does not contain an SPF. L’Oreal Colour Rich is more moisturizing.

 

REVIEW BY PAULA BEGOUN: Infallible Never Fail Lip Gloss is the lip gloss partner to L’Oreal’s Infallible Never Fail Lipcolor. Like its lipstick partner, this gloss presents more problems than solutions. The triangle-shaped applicator would have been helpful in getting a precise application, except for the fact that it’s not stiff enough, making it a struggle to achieve an even application. The gloss applies sheer yet feels dry and tacky throughout its wearing time. It does stay on reasonably well through drinking and eating, but certainly does not last the promised six hours. The color starts to bleed into lip lines and wears off unevenly after a couple of hours, requiring reapplication or touch-ups throughout the day. The uncomfortable wear, combined with the need for frequent reapplication, makes this gloss not worth considering over better traditional lip gloss options from L’Oreal as well as from other lines.

 

I don’t completely agree that it is that bad, but it not of the same caliber of the Colour Riche.

 

M.A.C. SlimShine Lipstick – $14.50
Lipstick combining creamy emolliency with a unique sheer colour pay-off. Finishes include cream, sparkling pearl and metallic. Provides the shine and moisturizing comfort of a gloss but with a smooth, non-sticky finish. Distinctive on and off. Comes packaged in its own stylish extra-long lipstick case.

 

 

REVIEW BY PAULA BEGOUN: Slimshine Lipstick is for women who prefer sheer, glossy colors. That’s exactly what this smooth, lightweight lipstick provides, and the color range is a smart blend of the trendy along with the tried-and-true. These slim lipsticks have a very glossy finish but aren’t the least bit sticky. They’re not much for longevity (and not for anyone prone to lipstick bleeding into lines around the mouth), but if those concerns don’t apply to you, this is another sheer lipstick to consider.

I love this lipstick. My only complaint is that the case doesn’t stay shut so sometimes I reach for it in my handbag and the top came off. Otherwise, it is super moisturizing and doesn’t bleed. 

Don’t forget, you can read all of Paula’s in-depth reports in her book Don’t Go To the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, 7th Edition by Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron [Publisher: Beginning Press] [www.cosmeticscop.com].

Crime Scene University

My husband’s uncle, Robert C.Shaler, Ph.D., Sc.D. (hon) (uncle Bobby as we call him), has his own TV show! It is part of the Discovery Channel network called ID Investigation Discovery and the show is called Crime Scene University.

Robert was the director of forensic biology in New York City’s Office of Chief Medical Examiner and in 2005 he left and headed to Penn State’s new forensics major program. In the wake of the WTC attacks on September 11, 2001, he assumed the responsibility for identifying the 2749 people who perished. He designed, organized, and implemented the DNA testing strategy that became the cornerstone for the majority of the 1592 identified victims. He is a truly amazing person and he welcomed me with open arms the minute I met him!

 

Crime Scene University Episodes:

>Drugs and Dirty Deals

    7/10/08 @ 8:00 pm, 11:00 pm (EST)

    7/13/08 @ 2:00 pm, 3:00 am (EST)

>Road Rage

    7/17/08 @ 8:00 pm, 11:00 pm (EST)

    7/20/08 @ 2:00 pm, 3:00 am (EST)

>Dismemberment

    7/24/08 @ 8:00 pm, 11:00 pm (EST)

    7/24/08 @ 8:00 pm, 11:00 pm (EST)

Bag, Borrow or Steal

[UPDATE: I’m on my 4th bag! Oooh, I love this site! I have found that after about 3 weeks I am ready for a new one. Some of the bags rent for several hundred dollars a month – whoa!]

 

I’ll admit, the Sex & The City movie finally convinced me to sign up for Bag, Borrow or Steal. There is a plug in the movie about it, for those of you who have not seen it yet. It’s a simple concept – borrow a handbag (or other accessories on the site) for as long as your membership allows and then return it when the time is up – think Netflix.

 

The membership levels are:

>$9.95 per month

>$19.95 for 3 months ($6.65 per month, save over 33%)
>$59.95 per year ($5.00 per month,  save over 49% – Best Value!)

 

You don’t have to sign up for a membership but it is worth your while because the prices to rent are cheaper if you have a membership – substantially cheaper. Once you sign up, you can choose your bag and the prices for the bags range from $15.00 a week for a Coach bag and up to $150.00 for a vintage Coach bag. The couture/vintage are pretty expensive.

 

I borrowed the bag “Lily” (see below) from Treesje at a rate of $30.00 a month.

$10.00/week or $30.00/month  – with a membership
$24.00/week or $48.00/month  – without a membership

Color: Brown

Lining Color: Cream
Hardware: Gold
Handle Drop: 8 inch
Size: Large
Special Features: Removable Strap, Cell Phone/Blackberry Pocket

The BEST Anti-Aging Products by Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron–Part 2

 As I mentioned in a prior post for the A-List, Part 1, there is a great report on Beautypedia.com. You can read all of Paula’s in-depth reports in her book Don’t Go To the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, 7th Edition by Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron [Publisher: Beginning Press] [www.cosmeticscop.com].

 

According to Paula and Bryan, the A-List and B-List products are for healthier, younger looking skin. The A-List products are ones that should be first on your list to check out and the B-List products play a supporting role to help your skin look its best.

 

The B-List: Playing a Supporting Role to Help Skin Look Its Best:

B-List Ingredients:

>Green Tea

>Soy Isoflavones / Extract

>Pomegranate

>Ceramides

>Linoleic / Linolenic Acids / Phospholipdis

 

The BEST Anti-Aging Products by Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron – Part 1

As I mentioned before, there is a great report on Beautypedia.com. You can read all of Paula’s in-depth reports in her book Don’t Go To the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, 7th Edition by Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron [Publisher: Beginning Press] [www.cosmeticscop.com].

 

According to Paula and Bryan, the A-List and B-List products are for healthier, younger looking skin. The A-List products are ones that should be first on your list to check out and the B-List products play a supporting role to help your skin look its best. I’ll post the B-List products shortly.

 

A-List Ingredients that you should look for in a product:

>Glycolic or Lactic Acid

>Salicylic Acid

>Retinol

>Vitamin C

>Vitamin E

>Niacinaminde

>Sunscreen Actives

 

A-List Products with Glycolic or Lactic Acid:

 

>Paula’s Choice “8% Alpha Hydroxy Acid Gel” ($17.95 for 4 oz) [I use this and so does my husband – we both love it. I can only use it every other day though. It exfoliates for me so I don’t have to use a scrub anymore!]

>Peter Thomas Roth “AHA 12% Ceramide Hydrating Repair Gel” ($48 for 2 oz)

>Peter Thomas Roth “Glycolic Acid 10% Hydrating Gel” ($48 for 2 oz)

>Neutrogena “Healthy Skin Face Lotion, Night” ($12.59 for 2.5 oz)

>Ultraceuticals “Ultra Ace Hydration Booster” ($50 for 2.5 oz)

 

The BEST Sunscreens by Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron

There is a great report on Beautypedia.com that I found which I wanted to share. Of course, you can read all of Paula’s in-depth reports in her book Don’t Go To the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, 7th Edition by Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron [Publisher: Beginning Press] [www.cosmeticscop.com].

 

List of A-list products with Sunscreen Actives:

 

Free DVD’s!

[UPDATE: I finally got rid of these.]

 

Well, sort of. I have some duplicate DVDs that I have purchased accidentally over the years and I’d like to get ride of them. I don’t have an EBay account so figured I would see if anyone is interested in them on my blog.

 

All you have to do is pay for the shipping which I have estimated to be around $3.00. I have a PayPal account and if you deposit $3.00 into my account I’ll ship the DVDs to you promptly. Of course, if you are family or friends, just let me know and I’ll give them to you.

 

>Reservoir Dogs – Ten Years Special Edition

>Minority Report – Widescreen

>Fargo – Special Edition

>The Sopranos – Complete Second Season (deposit $5.00 for shipping on this one)

>The Sopranos – Complete Third Season (deposit $5.00 for shipping on this one)

 

You can e-mail me at speindl@carolina.rr.com if you are interested and I’ll email you to get your information. By the way, I live in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The BEST Facial Moisturizers (with sunscreen) by Paula Begoun

Here’s a recap of several prior posts where I listed the Best AHA and BHA products, Best Concealers, Best Eye Moisturizers, Best Facial Serums, Best Facial Cleaners, Best Facial Masks,  Best Facial Moisturizers (without sunscreen), Best Makeup Removers, Best Retinols, and Best Self-Tanners, all  according to Paula Begoun (read her full reviews in her book Don’t Go To the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, 7th Edition by Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron [Publisher: Beginning Press] [www.cosmeticscop.com]).

 

Now, onto the BEST Facial Moisturizers WITH sunscreen (SPF 15+) according to Paula. All of the following moisturizers with SPF were rated the BEST by Paula’s for two important reasons:

 

One, each has an SPF 15 or greater and includes avobenzone, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, Mexoryl SX, or Tinosorb (the latter approved for use outside the United States) as one or more of the active ingredients (if these are listed someplace else on the ingredient list, it does not count toward reliable sun protection). Avobenzone may be listed on an ingredient label by its chemical name, butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, and Mexoryl SX may be listed as ecamsule.

 

Two, every sunscreen on the lists below contains a range of antioxidants and also includes other skin-beneficial ingredients such as those that mimic healthy skin’s structural components. Antioxidants are proving to be an incredibly helpful addition to sunscreens because they not only boost the efficacy of the active ingredients, but also help offset free-radical damage from sun exposure. Selecting a daytime moisturizer with sunscreen or “regular” sunscreen without antioxidants isn’t giving your skin as much of a fighting chance against the cascade of damage that sun exposure can cause (and that can be dramatically minimized with diligent, liberal application and, when needed, reapplication, of sunscreen rated SPF 15 or greater).

 

Tanning and the Sun, What You Must Know

I do love to have a good tan – tan fat looks better than white fat, right! But, things have changed for me over the years. I wear liberal amount of SPF everyday and I do not tan anymore. I enjoy a good book at the beach with an umbrella and hat to give me some protection.

 

According the Paula Begoun, co-author of Don’t Go To the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, 7th Edition by Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron [Publisher: Beginning Press] [www.cosmeticscop.com]), here is what you need to know about tanning and the sun:

 

First, as you know there is NO such thing as a safe tan, whether it is from the sun or a tanning booth. Even if you tan slowly without burning, the damage is hazardous to the health of your skin. As a general rule it is best to apply sunscreen at least 15 to 20 minutes before sun exposure. This gives the sunscreen time to absorb and to spread over and into the skin.

 

How to calculate how long you can stay in the sun, the formula is this: 

• How many minutes you would normally be in the sun before you get pink? Take the number of minutes and multiply it by the SPF that you would wear.

(10 mins x 15 SPF = 150 mins, or 2-1/2 hours)

 

UVB radiation is the sun’s burning ray and has an immediate, harmful impact on skin. Damage from UVB rays takes place within the very first minute (yes, 60 seconds) of walking outside!

 

Review of Patricia Wexler, M.D. by Paula Begoun

My Mom and I spent the day shopping this past Sunday – a ritual that we are trying to do every few months. While I was in another store, she popped into Bath & Body and purchased the Anti-Aging Starter Kit by Patricia Wexler, M.D. I wish I could have been there to tell her to ‘wait’ until I show her the facts. But, I promised her I would give her the review from Paula Begoun on this. So far Mom loves the products and like I always say, if you enjoy a product then by all means keep using it.

 

 

Paula Begoun is co-author of Don’t Go To the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, 7th Edition by Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron [Publisher: Beginning Press] [www.cosmeticscop.com]). Here is Paula’s review of my Mom’s products.

 

I HIGHLY recommend that you read Paula’s review on this entire product line and the background of Patricia Wexler, M.D.

 

At-A-Glance
Strengths: Good selection of well-formulated moisturizers and serums; two highly recommended cleansers; good topical disinfectant with benzoyl peroxide.

Weaknesses: Moderately expensive; at-home AHA peel provides more irritation than help for skin; all lip products contain potent irritants; one sunscreen lacks UVA-protecting ingredients; no non-irritating salicylic acid products for acne-prone skin; skin-lightening product is alcohol-based; jar packaging.

 

Review of ORIGINS by Paula Begoun

A friend of mine recently told me that her daily skin care regime includes all Origins products. I was so glad she told me so I could let her in on a little secret…Origins skin care products are not very good!

 

I currently use some of their body products and I used to use their face products until I did some research on them. According to Paula Begoun, author of Don’t Go To the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, 7th Edition by Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron [Publisher: Beginning Press] [www.cosmeticscop.com]), all 84 skin care products received a poor rating! The only Origins products that received a very good or good rating was their makeup.

 

Paula bases her reviews on the actual formula of a product – not her own personal experience or her feelings about a particular company.  Her reviews are based on a products potential for irritation, dryness, breakouts, sensitivities, greasiness, anti-wrinkle claims, exfoliation potential, healing, antioxidant value, sun protection, and other issues of performance and if a company is overcharging for its products or is dishonest in their claims and literature.

 

Here is list of what my friend is using and Paula’s review and well as a review of the entire Origins line:

 

The BEST Self Tanners by Paula Begoun

I cannot tell you how many times I have tried a self-tanner – with so much optimism and then indignity. I swear I have used every self tanner on the market, including the popular Jergens Natural Glow in Light, Medium and Dark tones. I used the Jergens color light on my legs (never on my face because I am sure I would break out; I am too sensitive). I won’t lie, this product is GREAT for the price, but it’s the smell that gets me. I just can’t handle the smell! I always said that if I can smell the product on me than so can everyone else! I would mix it with some of my regular lotion, but to no avail.

 

Having a nice sun-kissed glow is something that really can change your outlook – kind of like having a really ‘good hair day’, but it can be costly. So, for those of you who have given up on the sun (for obvious reasons), here are the BEST self-tanners from Paula Begoun. You can read her full reviews in her book Don’t Go To the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, 7th Edition by Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron [Publisher: Beginning Press] [www.cosmeticscop.com]).

 

🙂 The BEST Self-Tanners (I did not include the very good tanners):

 

>Almay “Sunless Tanning Gel for Body” $9.99

>Almay “Sunless Tanning Gel for Face” $9.99

 

>Clinque “Self-Sun Body Quick Bronze” $18.50

>Clinque “Self-Sun Face Quick Bronze” 18.50

 

>Estee Lauder “Body Performance Naturally Radiant Moisturizer” $35.00

>Estee Lauder “Go Bronze Plus Tinted Self-Tanner for Face” $22.50

>Estee Lauder “Sunless SuperTan, for Face” $22.50

 

>Lancome “Flash Bronzer Tinted Self-Tanning Moisturizing Mousse $29.50

 

>Paula’s Choice “Almost the Real Thing Self-Tanning Gel, for All Skin Types” $12.95

 

>Sonia Kashuk “Bronze Sunless Tanner” $14.99

 

How did Paula pick the best ones?