Sunscreen Rule of Thumb: Apply sunscreen liberally every two or three hours.  Do you follow this?  I try my best, but sometimes I forget!  So how do we keep this in check?  UV Sunsense has created a breakthrough beauty bracelet that serves as an indicator or when to re-apply sunscreen.

How it Works

The wristband has four color stages to let users know when their sunscreen is wearing off.  First, it starts off orange.  Once exposed to the sun, the bracelet turns purple.  When the bracelet becomes dark brown, it’s time to immediately reapply sunscreen.  If the band turns yellow-orange, it’s time to reach for shade!  This UV monitoring bracelet works great because it serves as preventative measure against harmful sun damage.

This bracelet retails for $7 for a 7 pack.  Price wise, it’s really cheap.  But here’s the real question, will you wear it?

I don’t know about you, but when I shop for sunblock there are just so many SPF choices to choose from.  Should I get SPF 30 or will it be too low? Should I be on the safe side and get SPF 70 or is that too harsh?  So how do you know which SPF number is right for you?

Paula Begoun, author of “Don’t Go to the Cosmetics Counter without Me” shares with us how to determine your own personal SPF Number.

Your ideal SPF number is a multiplication figure based on your skin color and the SPF number on the product.

Read the rest of this entry »

Burt Bee’s recently came out with a Natural Acne Solutions Line.  And within this line, I checked out the Acne Gel Cleanser - which I love and their Targeted Spot Treatment.  This natural acne spot treatment is clinically proven to reduce and improve the appearance of blemishes without irritating skin.

Product Details:

• 100% Natural: Tea Tree and Parsley extracts work to soothe skin and reduce redness to improve the appearance of blemishes
• Active Ingredient: 0.75% Salicylic Acid
• Clinically proven to reduce redness within 24 hours

Approx. Price: $10 for a 0.26 fl. oz. bottle

Where to Purchase? Mass market retailers

The Bottom Line:

If you are a fan of tea tree oil, you will like this spot treatment.  The scent is very similar to tea tree oil - a strong eucalyptus.  If you can deal with the scent, you are good to go! You only need a small dab for this stuff to work.  Too much application will lead to an unwanted stinging feeling.  The bottle may be small, but the liquid inside is potent! I put this spot treatment to the ultimate test - I applied it on a red, inflamed blemish at night before bed.  The next morning, the redness and size of the blemish decreased signficantly.  The only downfall is its packaging, it comes in a glass bottle.  And yes, $10 may be a bit steep for this spot treatment, but it works!  If you’re on a low budget, you can stick with 100% tea tree oil that is a couple dollars cheaper and works just as well.

Has anyone else tried this?

Known for their lip balm, Burt Bee’s introduces the very first natural acne line clinically proven to reduce and prevent acne for clear and smooth skin.  Luckily, I had a chance to check out Burt Bee’s Purifying Gel Cleanser.  Its secret weapon? Willow Bark Extract — This extract contains natural Beta Hydroxy Acids, which work as a natural skin exfoliants to help unplug follicles and pores.

And for all you eco-beauties out there, its packaging is made with recycled or recyclable materials.

Product Details:

• Dermatologist tested
• Non-irritating and non-comedogenic
• Help reduce acne and gently remove excess oil, dirt and makeup
• 99.4% natural ingredients

Approx. Price: $10 for a 5 oz. bottle

Where to Purchase? Burt Bee’s online or retail stores that sell Burt Bee’s

Does this face wash deliver?

Read the rest of this entry »