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Hot Stuff!


Great Summer Beauty Finds
By Belinda Clarke
Part One of Two


The sun is hot, the pool is cool, and it’s time for a summer beauty overhaul! Whether you are a low-maintenance mom who indulges in products only sporadically or a beauty care junkie who gets “the latest and greatest” on a regular basis, you’ll appreciate this unique collection of skin and makeup products just for summer. Just for fun!

Safe Tanning is a Cinch

You don’t have to completely avoid the sun this summer, but as you already know, it’s important to be prudent about protecting yourself from harmful UV rays that can damage your skin. For a healthy “tan” that is UV-free, try some of these self-tanners on for size.

The Healthy Tan – from Philosophy
This self-tanner works to create an even, believable tan you will be proud to show off. Without that tell-tale “orange” look, this creamy lotion has a soft scent and no tacky after-feel. Available at department stores.

Neutrogena Instant Bronze Sunless Tanner and Bronzer in One
This product comes in a lotion or a foam and is great because you can actually see where your “tan” will be, because the product is tinted. Not only does this product help to avoid the streaking problem that tends to accompany self-tanners, but also it’s oil free so it won’t clog your pores in the summer heat. Available at drugstores.

H2O Plus Express Bronzer
New to the H2O Plus skin care line are two Express Bronzers (deep and medium), which are formulated to provide a naturally-tanned appearance. An added blend of anti-aging extracts, vitamins and moisturizers protects against the harmful effects of environmental exposure and dehydration. They also include marine extracts designed to ward off age-causing free radicals while amino acids and vitamins C and E help prevent premature wrinkles. The lightweight lotion can be used on both the face and body, leaving skin soft and healthy looking! At H2O stores nationwide and online at www.h2Oplus.com.

Kiss My Face Instant Sunless Tanner
From natural ingredients expert Kiss My Face, this sunless tanner uses walnut extract to mimic a sun-induced tan. The bronze tint allows you to see where you’re applying to avoid streaks. Available in health food stores (like Whole Foods) and online at www.kissmyface.com.

Don’t Bug Me
There’s no need to sacrifice skin safety for good summer pest protection. Skin care specialist Joey New York offers Outdoor Activities, a light overall moisturizer with SPF 20 that repels bugs without harsh chemicals. The special blend of natural extracts keeps bugs (and harmful UV rays) away without the use of Deet or PABA. And it won’t clog your pores. At Nordstrom, www.sephora.com and by calling 1-800-563-9691.

Citronella works and British apothecary Neal’s Yard Remedies has a cute candle that’s perfect for the picnic table. Containing no animal-derived products or petroleum, this candle uses citronella, lemongrass, eucalyptus and orange for a sweet smell that isn’t overpowering like some citronella candles can be. At www.nealsyardremedies.com.

If mosquitoes do bite you, or if you’re sun-parched skin is driving you nuts, Eucerin has a new skin itch-relief moisturizing spray that can help. It’s strong enough to combat severe conditions like Eczema but can be used by anyone with dry, itchy skin. The soothing mist also contains menthol for a cooling effect. In drug and grocery stores.

Healthy Makeup
Do you ever want a natural-looking lip with just a hint of color? Delux Beauty makes a great product called Tintstiks that soothes and moisturizes lips but also gives just a hint of color to give you a healthy looking pout. And you’ll love the colors: Betty, Bubbles, Dot and Pinky. For nails, keep the summery theme with iridescents, rich opaque shades, shimmering metallics or sheer topcoats with color. Try Pink Squirrel, Hot Pants and Flip. At www.sephora.com and www.deluxbeauty.com.

Rimmel makeup (from London) offers this lip/cheek combo for quick and simple summer makeup. Apply SunShimmer Natural Bronze powder to cheeks for a natural glow and then finish it off with a light coat of Vinyl Lip gloss in either Simply Sexy or Sun Goddess. Instant beauty, no hassle! At Target stores.

This summer Laura Mercier is promoting the “fresh, sun-kissed look” with the introduction of the Ambre Gold collection. Ambre Gold includes Gold Shimmer Face Stick, Shimmer Pressed Powder, two shades of Loose Pearls (loose powder) and three shades of Lip Glacés. The goal, says Laura Mercier, is “to allow women to look as though they have a natural tan while avoiding the harmful effects of the sun.” The Laura Mercier Cosmetics and Skincare line is available at department stores including Neiman Marcus, Henri Bendel, Bergdorf Goodman and selected Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Macy’s West and Burdine’s stores. Call 1-888-MERCIER or visit the website at www.lauramercier.com for information on products and store locations.

Healthy Skin

Sea Results
According to Jason Lown, the most important thing you can do for your skin is to begin each morning with a gentle cleansing which helps rejuvenate skin and bring about brightness. “H2O Plus’s Marine Cleansing Gel is a gentle foaming cleanser that will remove makeup, surface oil and debris while our exclusive blend of hydrating marine extracts maintain the natural moisture produced by the skin,” he says.

Lown then recommends choosing a product to supplement or enhance the daily needs of the skin after cleansing. “Our Marine Enzyme Serum is a water-light, anti-oxidant formula that acts as a ‘bulletproof vest’ to protect the skin against environmental aggressors such as smoke, pollution and stress. Light-diffusing photosomes help to reduce the appearance of fine lines for a radiant, well-rested look. Ultimately, H2O Plus sea-inspired formulas deliver a synergistic affinity to our body with superior results," Lown says. “Our formulas compliment an active lifestyle with special attention to the specific needs of every skin type. For a truly beautiful complexion, as well as restored energy and a sense of renewal, we also encourage plenty of rest and adequate water intake throughout the day.”

New Anti-Aging Plant Derivative from Almay
Almay, manufacturer of makeup and skin products for sensitive skin, now offers a skin care line made with Kinetin, an ingredient found in plants that has been determined to have anti-aging properties. According to Almay, Kinetin, which is not an exfoliant, is “bio-available,” allowing it to work deep within the skin’s surface layers without causing dryness or increased sun-sensitivity. New products with Kinetin include Firming and Pore Refining Serum, Firming and Brightening Eye Cream and Lip Vitality Smoothing Color.

Pure Shea Butter
The soothing benefits of shea butter are widely publicized and L’Occitane makes treating your skin right easy with 100 percent Pure Shea Butter in a big tin for whole-body application, if desired. Recommended to soothe rough knees, elbows and help minimize stretch marks, this rich balm is amazing. Beauty hint: rub it on your cuticles and feet at night and sleep in socks for an instant “manicure/pedicure.” For store locations call 1-888-623-2880.

Rice Face Cream by New York-based Fresh is a luxurious “pampering and plumping” cream designed to soften and restore the skin. It contains rice bran oil, shiitake, camellia and green tea extracts, as well as the floral extract from the Everlasting plant (also called the Immortelle flower) to help rejuvenate your skin. Bitter orange peel is added to help improve the skin's ability to retain moisture. Finally, macadamia, jojoba and apricot kernel oils further nurture dehydrated skin and give a fresh, healthy appearance. Worth every penny. In specialty stores and online at www.fresh.com.

Beach Beauty Made Easy

Beach BeneFits
Sick of digging through your beach bag for your lip balm, sunblock and hairbands? BeneFit’s Bermuda Betty Bag is the perfect (waterproof!) holder for your sun products at the beach. It’s even got a mirror. Fill it up with BeneFit beach must-haves, such as the BeneTint Lip Balm with SPF 15 and a gentle rosy tint or Cheekies cream blush in Gotta Crush on You to bring out the summer color in your cheeks. And finally, red hot packaging isn’t the only cool thing about BeneFit’s new I Am Rebel tinted moisturizer. This light tint has SPF 15, as well as vitamins A and E and aloe vera to keep skin healthy at (and after) the beach!

Beach Hair Anytime
Love the way your hair looks after a day in the sun and surf? You can have that thick, textured style anytime with the new Nolita Grit Gel made with bamboo extract and natural humectants. A UV shield protects hair from the sun while the special formula adds volume for that “surf in the city” look. Call 1-800-456-9322.

Natural Skin Protection
Kiss My Face has a complete line of suncare products designed to protect your delicate skin from harmful UV rays. A great pick? Sun Spray SPF 30, which is ideal for quick and easy application. It’s also waterproof. For after sunning, try the After Sun Aloe Cooler with 95 percent aloe vera for natural relief. At health food stores and online at www.kissmyface.com.

Eucerin Protective Moisture Lotion SPF 25 protects and moisturizes at the same time, leaving skin healthy and hydrated in one quick, easy step. Eucerin Protective Moisture Lotion SPF 25 protects your facial skin from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays with a PABA-free sunscreen. This creamy (but light) lotion is dermatologist-trusted, so even the most sensitive skin can be safe from the sun without aggravation. In drugstores. For more information or a store location near you, visit www.eucerin.com.

L’Occitane (from France) blends shea butter and sunflower ingredients into its SPF 30 sunblock cream, giving it extra moisturizing properties to protect your skin from the harsh summer sun and keep skin soft, too. Call 1-888-623-2880 for store locations.

Read Part Two here.

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About the Author: Belinda Clarke is a senior editor for iParenting.com. She is the mother of one.


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