Sunny Days

As a fair skinned beauty I pride my self on keeping an even skin tone and as amazing and smile evoking as the sun is, I am constantly coating in different sunscreens and sunblocks. Of course I chose favorites. My sunscreen premieres in my daily handbag necessaries. There is a shelf in my bathroom dedicated to sunscreen and there is a long lost bottle in every beach bag I own. Point being, I want, love, & need my sunscreen. 

For those summer goddesses that are kissed by the sun and don't use protection, Sunscreen is a product that absorbs or reflects some of the sun's ultraviolet(UV) radiation on the skin exposed to sunlight and thus helps protect against sunburn.

I don't have to tell you the health benefits of applying daily, but I'm going to put a little more wind in those sails. UVA & UVB protection is one of the best things you can do for your skin. Medical organizations such as the American Cancer Society recommend the use of sunscreen because it aids in the prevention of developing medical issues. Not all sun blocking products protect against UVA radiation. UVA rays can cause some dangerous conditions like melanoma and photodermatitis, so people using sunscreens may be exposed to high UVA levels without realizing it. 

I find the best products are those you don't have to re apply every 30 minutes so I buy my sunscreens with a higher SPF. The number on the bottle is the amount of minutes that the product lasts, or in my case how long I have before I need to reapply.

So once I have addressed that the brand has a SPF of 50 or higher. I can add it to my sunscreen shelf. 

Sun Bum

This is my absolute favorite sunscreen brand this summer! I am beyond obsessed. I've been through at least 10 bottles. They should pay me as a spokes woman because I am never without a bottle of this glorious product. It's water resistant and broad spectrum.  Not only is Sun Bum commandeered by the Skin Cancer Foundation, but its free of some of the harsh chemicals that can be rough on our gorgeous but wrinkle prone skin. So my favorite feature about this product is that it is not greasy, and after a long day playing in the sun I don't feel like I need an immediate shower. It is made with a anti aging, vitamin E formula so its very soft to the touch and doesn't make the boys feel like they cant touch your greasy skin. You can put sun bum on and then go out on the town and not look like you've baked all day. And on that note it has a clean coconut smell that is not too perfume-ish. It
layers wonderfully with scented lotion for those swanky beach villa parties I know you are all attending this summer. 

Neutrogena Sport 

I like this brand specifically because it lasts so long. I use the SPF 100 and I can be out for almost 2 hours without reapplying. Its a great feeling to only apply once and then forget and have fun in the sun without fussing with lotions and sprays. And of course its broad spectrum so its not leaving our skin naked. The sport formula is sweat & water resistant, which makes this my go to sunscreen for a long run or climb. and the bottle will fit in just about any small bag.. This sunscreen however doesn't play well with others. Its not one you can mix with a fruity lotion. The thick lotion provides great coverage & the spray is great for quick touch ups. It smells like regular sunscreen but when you are already a sweaty mess from a killer workout sesh there's no reason smell would bother a cute guy you met on the trail.

L'Oreal Sublime

This protector smells amazing & leaves your skin glowing. It is oil so when I use this product I have to be careful to reapply within the appropriate amount of time. It leaves skin so soft. So this is my sunset party pick if you know you wont be outside a major amount of time but still want to feel completely protected.  It gives that nice glisten to our legs that make all the boys glance last a little longer. Its also not shower invoking. You can wear this from pool to party and feel clean.  It's broad spectrum which means you are protected. But the best part about sublime is that your skin is not tacky from slathering goop on in tall day.

I own and use all of these products on a weekly basis because I refuse to let my love for the sun be reflected on my skin. I have tried so many brands that I hated for one reason or another, smell or it left me treating a sunburn. Finding a match for a specific event is not always easy but now you can take my favorites and put them to the test. Enjoy your yacht, beach, villa, sporting summer protected by the best.

Sighing Off,
Porcelain Girl Pampered

Pretty & Witty

Studying takes most of a young woman's time.... and if it does not... which lets admit it to ourselves ... sometimes it does not... it is a priority that needs to be on the top of the list. In our early twenties we are the busiest we will ever be. Spending my days chasing dreams ... and flirting with a boy ... or two leaves only a few spared minutes dedicated to "me time". While I sit in my yoga pants and giant reading glasses I tell everyone are just for show... but if I didn't use I would have to walk with a cane or guide dog... I study for hours and when I take my nose from those books I often find myself with 30 minutes before I must be on a date or at a promised event.

Because I know I am on the same yacht (in the same boat) as many other women, who are studious or have very hectic work schedules, I will share several products I use to make my hair, face, and body look like Ive spent the last week held up somewhere in the Berkshires in a five star spa.


As a pampered woman I am not terribly proud of the fact that it takes about 2 and some hours to get ready when I am primping for an event. However I have mastered the 10 minute shower with a quick shave when I totally miss schedule my life and freak out because I am going to be a little late .... ok very late. 
Once I've spent the danger shower with the lufa in one hand and a razor in another, there are things I do before panic sets in, while I am studying to make sure my handsome date thinks all my attention was spent on prep for the date he so cleverly planned.

ONE
Pre-Treat
Skin & Hair
I know, I have written several posts about oils and how they are gods gift to beauty. But I'm going to go ahead and spin my broken record one more time. Oils are best on clean skin but waking up to your favorite bottle of enriching beautifully scented oil will not only put you in a better mood immediately but also when showered away do not lose their benefits because they are so fast acting.


TWO
Leave on Facial Masks
I am currently wearing a Fresh Face Masks by Lush((cosmetic warrier) while I write to you! I love these but I never get the chance to grab them because you must be close to a store location because the masks are mixed in house. I'm in love with studying in a mask not only do you loose track of time letting all of the goodness soak in, you are not tempted to touch your face or rest your hand on your chin which is the reason I need the acne mask in the first place.


THREE
White Teeth
While the large conglomerates have some products that work. I, myself use Colgate's whitening toothpaste. A weekly deep white treatment is what makes my smile pearly white. Baking soda and water is "your grandmothers" quick fix for several household tragedies but I swear by it for my teeth. A weekly ritual takes no time at all and baking soda is easy to find and can be used elsewhere.  When your dates sees your coy smile at a silly joke he spouted you can be sure he will swoon.

 

My secret little study/ beauty routine is yours to use and expand upon. I know you will all be a little more efficent with your time management. That is what this crazy balencing act is all about. Happy, Beautiful. Young and Crazy fun! Study hard and make them swoon!

 

Signing Off,
XO Porcelain Girl Pampered