Search
Sun, Summer & Suncare - a list by palacinka
Options for This Page
About this list:
Summer does not start until June 21, but as everyone knows Memorial Day weekend has always been deemed the "unofficial" kickoff to the summer season. So, while you're off at the beach or out at a bbq this weekend to celebrate here are some of palacinka's reviews for sunscreen products that you should make sure to have at your side and on your skin to protect sun damage!
Qualifications:
Beauty go-to for ALL women of color around the world!
- Show items only
- Show full recommendations
La Mer SPF 30 UV Protecting Fluid
First to recommend
Description
The great thing about La Mer's latest addition to the line, The SPF 30 Protecting Fluid, is that if you are a big fan of La Mer products (like I am) then this will be music to your ears. If, however, you have never tried La Mer before and need a wonderful primer/spf that will also make your skin look amazing (and doesn't cost as much as the original creme) -- then keep reading too!
This Fluide De La Mer is a soft, pale green (just like the top of the packaging), and the texture is divine. It is a medium weight liquid that is soft, silky and light to the touch. I found that it went on my face smoothly and easily and had that trademark La Mer scent! It was soothing, hydrating and yes, provided that legendary La Mer glow! The finish is semi-matte.
This was the perfect product to use as a primer. My makeup went on smoothly and there were no issues with the product caking, balling up or changing the texture of my makeup during the day.
What is extraordinary about this product is that with the included SPF 30, there was NO trace of sunblock on my skin. The product sank in and dried completely clear. Many times primers with sunscreen still leave a faint trace of white or grayish cast on the skin, so this was one of my favorite features of the product.
The technology used in this protecting fluid include tourmaline and malachite gemstones, which absorb light energy, to enhance anti-oxidant activity and prevent the appearance of discoloration. Combining that with their exclusive photonic spheres which capture light while diverting potentially damaging light from the skin and you've got one heck of a product.
After using this product exclusively as a primer every day for several weeks, my skin looked radiant and the tone was fantastic. All in all, this is absolutely another home run for La Mer. (via Palacinka)
Updated Mar 7, 2009
Lists that feature this:
St. Ives In-Shower Exfoliating Body Polish, Smoothing
First to recommend
Description
If you are a real scrub junkie like I am, then you know that you can certainly be wowed by a luxurious scrub from a high end brand. However, when I can also be wowed by a drugstore gem like this one from St. Ives, it really puts a smile on my face.
The texture of this scrub is so different from what I usually experience with drugstore scrubs. It's not a creamy, grainy scrub. Instead it's a very thick (almost solid) creamy-white base with the exfoliating grains weaved within it. It reminded me a little of taking packed sand and adding water to make sculptures. I scooped a handful and began scrubbing my tough areas and it didn't melt immediately (you can add more/less water depending on how grainy you want the scrub).
It retained some of it's solid nature throughout most of my shower. (This means it didn't end up all over the shower floor!). After rinsing I had soft, glowing skin with no residue or greasy feeling. After using 3x week for a few weeks, my skin looked much better and it took less and less product to keep up the results. Other nice features: It smelled wonderful, a light oceanic/green smell and because it was so concentrated, it lasted a long time. My skin is not super dry, but this definitely gave me a nice layer of moisture and didn't dry it out or make it raw while I was scrubbing.
This should be in your shower caddy ASAP! (via Palacinka)
Updated Mar 7, 2009
List that features this:
Hissyfit Body Double Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 30+
First to recommend
Description
I've been in a bit of a body moisturizer rut lately, so this came at the perfect time for me. I wanted a great feeling, great smelling, light but super moisturizing product - that also has SPF for at least moderate daily outdoor exposure.
Body Double, from new Australian skincare line Hissyfit, hit the mark in all the categories above for me. I loved the creamy, silky light texture of the lotion and the fragrance is really nice! It's a little sweet/a little tart - (think a Creamsicle) from the blend of Vanilla, Almond, Orange and Grapefruit extracts it contains.
After applying 1x day after a shower my skin was noticeably softer and smoother, but without a trace of greasiness. The lotion absorbed quickly but had a nice "moist" effect that I liked. I was left with a subtle sheen on my skin and with regular use I could tell that my skin was really supple throughout the day. It's a nice size for travel and I found it was very concentrated to a few pumps went a long way to make it budget friendly as well (via Palacinka)
Updated Apr 6, 2009
Neutrogena Healthy Volume Waterproof Mascara, Carbon Black 06
First to recommend
Description
When I think of Neutrogena, I admit that mascara is not the first thing that comes to mind, which is why I've probably never tried one from this line before. But in a quest to find more and more drugstore, budget-friendly products (that work really well!), I was excited when I was asked to give this a go.
I have to say this mascara not only met my expectations but exceeded them for nice volume and a pretty, every day effect. The packaging is unique, with a separate tube for the mascara and the brush placed separately. When I opened the package, I unscrewed the mascara tube then placed the brush inside of it. The brush on the mascara wand is VERY large, and the mascara formula itself is a "drier" one.
With the larger brush, I found that it did an excellent job of coating each lash. I got a fairly dramatic increase in volume without any clumps, and it really opened up my eyes. I was able to control the brush well and could sculpt my lashes easily. The mascara defined and separated my lashes very nicely and there was no flaking during the day. My lashes don't feel all dry/hard or "crunchy" (which I hate!) once the mascara dried.
I also loved the fact this formula has olive oil and nutrients to condition my lashes. At night the mascara came off easily (I used the waterproof version, but they also have a regular version). All in all, this is a perfect mascara for those of you looking for a nice, healthy, lush everyday lash look. This is easily one of the best drugstore mascaras out there right now. (via Palacinka)
Updated Apr 21, 2009
Lists that feature this:
Sue Devitt Microquatic Luminous Finishing Mist
First to recommend
Description
I have always been big fan of Sue Devitt's products because they are innovative, luxurious, effective and provide real benefits for the skin.
I used this finishing mist as the final step in my makeup application each day. I loved how it gave my skin a true, luminous glow without shimmer or particles and really hydrated my skin.
This is perfect for those of you with dry skin and/or fine lines. I loved using this in the morning and I could really see the difference in how fresh my makeup looked by the end of the day (even in very high temps!).
I also loved using this in the late evening (sometimes just out of the fridge so it nice and cold) just to perk up my skin a little more before going out. It evaporated instantly and felt weightless on my skin. I found that no more than 4-5 sprays is all that was needed for the finishing effect.(More than that and I did get a slightly sticky feeling --however, even that went away after a few minutes).
It did not irritate my skin and the effect always looked so natural and healthy. This can also be used to moisten your powder/foundation if it looks to dry/cakey as well.
This is a luxury that any true makeup fan will realize is absolutely worth the price to make your makeup look it's best and get the most mileage out of it! (via Palacinka)
Updated May 2, 2009
Lists that feature this:
Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Moisturizing Gel Oil SPF 15
First to recommend
2 people recommended this item
Description
A few weeks ago I stumbled upon the Moisturizing Gel Oil formulation with SPF15 and thought to myself, "now this is going to be a great product" - and sure enough it is!
The consistency of the Moisturizing Gel Oil is like that of a thinned out honey (the color as well) - but not as sticky as I would have thought it would be upon squeezing about a quarter's worth into my palm before applying after my shower.
This gel oil actually has a very nice, light feel with good slip. It gave me the most incredible sheen and hydration. It was a tad sticky on my body at first, but it absorbed very well and within a minute or two felt very lightweight - not heavy, greasy or gummy. My skin was soft, supple and smelled like their lovely cocoa butter scent. The effects of the gel oil lasted all day until my next shower - never any dry flaking skin after a few hours.
For those of you who like to glimmer at the beach and bare your arms and legs during hot days, this is perfect for adding after a base layer of sunscreen (this product has SPF 15 already). I also got great results mixing it with shimmer lotion like my beloved NARS Body Glow at night. (via Palacinka)
Updated May 19, 2009
List that features this:
Bliss-Philips bikini perfect deluxe Spa-at-home grooming system
First to recommend
Description
If you're not a "waxer" and still stand by shaving, it really doesn't get much better than the Bliss-Phillips Bikini Perfect Deluxe.
There are so many features that I loved about the electric razor.
It's a wet/dry razor, so you really can use it anywhere. It also suits multiple purposes - for example, if you need to shave fully, there is a specific detachable head for that (the micro shaver, which gave me a completely smooth shave with no irritation). If you just need to trim some hair, the trimmer attachment is perfect for that as well. There is also an epilator head for those of you who can take (a little) pain, which pulls hair out from the root for a few shave-free weeks.
In addition, there are 2 very small heads which can be used to trim/groom eyebrows (fab!)
It's very easy to change the multiple heads and even comes with a cute "Bliss Blue" travel bag for your summer trips!
Note: You must charge the shaver completely after each use in order to have enough powder to do a complete shave.
The Perfect Deluxe set includes:
* Bliss-Philips personal trimmer with 6 attachments
Precision Trimmer - Perfectly grooms bikini line with precision and comfort.
Precision Comb - Ensures even grooming results, Adjusts to 5 length settings.
Eyebrow Comb - Trims entire eyebrow to a uniform length.
Micro Shaver - Extra smooth & safe with hypo-allergenic foil.
Micro Trimmer - Shapes and defines eyebrows or removes a single hair.
Epilator - Removes hair by the root for smooth skin for weeks
* bliss lemon+sage body butter (1 fl. oz, 30 ml)
* bliss ingrown hair eliminating peeling pad (1 pad)
* Bliss-Philips beauty bag to take your glam gear on the go (via Palacinka)
Updated May 26, 2009
List that features this:
Paul Mitchell Smoothing Super Skinny Relaxing Balm
First to recommend
Description
This is a great product for blow outs when you want a straight effect, but with nice body. I was really happy with this! The balm is just that - it's heavier than a serum, but not quite a cream. After washing my hair I applied 1 or 2 pumps (no more than that!) into the palm of my hands and added it from the mid-length to the ends of my (very wet) hair, sectioning my hair with clips as I went along. I loved the crisp, fresh citrus scent of the balm as well.
My hair was super shiny, smooth and soft after blowing it out. I had great definition and control and what the balm gave me was straighter hair that still had some of the body from my natural waves, which is the effect that I was going for. This also gave me awesome frizz control during the day and even traveling in more humid climates.
In addition, I also found that I could use this to "loosen up" my waves by just using the serum and then air drying my hair, which was nice. Again, my hair remained silky smooth, bouncy and frizz free as well. I never felt like the balm was weighing my hair down or giving me build up. I also loved using a small amount of this to tame flyaways after a plane flight or before going out at night.
This is a great product from a terrific line and worth every penny (via Palacinka)
Updated May 26, 2009
Lists that feature this:
This is:
Sephora: Korres Pomegranate Cleansing & Make Up Removing Wipes For Oily And Combination Skin: Makeup Removers
First to recommend
Description
What's great about these cleansing cloths is that even if don't need a quick cleansing option or are not particularly interested in natural skin care per se, you will love these.
The wipes have a pleasant, light pomegranate fragrance (reminded me a bit of cranberry fizz soda) which was very refreshing. They are of average wipe size (about 7x7"in). The wipes are very moist (not dripping wet) and most importantly, remove makeup extremely well. I wear it all - from foundation to waterproof mascara to eye pencil, blush, etc. - and I was always able to easily remove it all with just a few swipes on my wipe. The wipes were extremely gentle on my eye area and cleansed my more oily areas well without drying me out elsewhere, like my cheeks. The wipes left no heavy, sticky or greasy residue on my skin - it just felt clean, fresh and toned.
After using them regularly, I loved how my skin felt. I had a very nice tone, and experienced no breakouts or irritation. My t zone was clear and the wipes also cut down on the shine I usually experience on my t zone in the AM.
Note: As with many soft wipe packs with the resealable adhesive type of opening on top, I would suggest putting the pack inside of a larger zip lock bag to ensure that they don't dry out if you forget to close it tightly.
These are a bit pricier than most wipes on the market, but well worth it. (via Palacinka)
Updated Jul 1, 2009
Lists that feature this:
This is:
Caress Evenly Grogeous, Exfoliating Body Wash, Burnt Brown Sugar & Karite Butter
First to recommend
2 people recommended this item
Description
Caress Evenly Gorgeous Body wash manages to take a scent concept that has been done before in many body care products - the brown sugar/vanilla combo - (although the second scent is listed by Caress as Karite Shea Butter) - and manages to not only make it unbelievably decadent, but combines it with a super moisturizing formula that anyone (even if you're not looking for a drugstore bargain) will love!
With the "whoosh" of these two notes hitting my nose as I opened the cap, I knew that this was going to be a very nice experience, and a very different drugstore body wash. The scent was soft, sugary, but not cloying or containing a fake plastic-y sugar element I've experienced in many inexpensive body care products. The scent is prominent - I certainly smelled it lingering for a while after my shower, but it was so lovely I didn't mind at all.
The texture of the body wash is a fairly thick cream/gel blend. The exfoliating grains, which are sugar based, are very tiny. The exfoliation is very nice and will be appropriate for those of you with more sensitive skin as well. (If you want/need a more intense scrub just combine with scrubbing gloves or a more abrasive scrubbing cloth). My skin was very clean, soft and even better, very moisturized after rinsing the scrub off. I found that I didn't need much additional body lotion afterwards at all, and my skin stayed soft and smooth all day.
The packaging is a like it or hate it affair I admit (the dress on the front is really not necessary in my opinion), but unless you are a real packaging snob, this shouldn't matter very much. You will have to like warm, sweet scents to use this product, but if you do, this is really one of the best and delivers an experience equal to many products which are much more expensive.
Another plus - this bottle is HUGE and should last a few months if used about 2x week. This is a drugstore gem that you don't want to miss out on! (via Palacinka)
Updated Aug 6, 2009
Lists that feature this:
palacinka
ThisNext's Beauty Expert Maven
We help take the guesswork out of buying your next beauty product (tm)
Sites
ThisNext: Become a Member
- Shopping ideas just for you
- It's easy and free
- Takes less than a minute
Lists
Natural and Organic Beauty
Updated Jul 1, 2009
The best and most innovative skincare, body care and cosmetics made with organic and/or natural ingredients.
Great Bodycare
Updated May 26, 2009
Favorite body care products for hands, feet and everything in between!
Plane Approved Beauty
Updated Aug 29, 2009
These are the best products to take on any trip - whether you are going by plane, train or boat! They will pass the FDA flight...
Amazing Scents!
Updated Aug 29, 2009
For the Fragrance lover who loves something distincitve, exciting and of course unique!
Top Searches on ThisNext
ThisNext Information
- Shopcast New!
- Retailers
- FAQ
- Blog
- About Us
- Contact ThisNext.com
- Newsletter
- ShopSafe
- Privacy Policy
- Terms of Use
Copyright ©2005-2009 ThisNext, Inc.