Summer is here, and it’s time to nourish and protect the skin you’re in!
You likely spend a lot of time making sure your kids are slathered head to toe in sunscreen, but in true motherly fashion, you likely put yourself last. Time to end that thinking!
Looking after our skin is important year round, but when the layers of clothing come off and we are spending more time frolicking (ok, more like running and keeping up…) outdoors, pampering yourself is a necessity, not a luxury. And, honey, let’s face it. Those carefree days of Hawaiian Tropic oil all over our silly 16 year old selves are ovah!
1. Sunscreen:
You know you need this, right? Lots of it? The problem is that a lot of sunscreens are fine on our bodies, but wreak havoc with our pores. Breakouts, sensitivity, rashes…yikes. So best to keep it gentle on our faces.
Splurge: Skinceuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF50 ($32) is incredible. Waterproof, non-comedogenic with a tiny bit of tint, this lasts hours and somehow manages to improve the look of your skin, while actually being so light you don’t even know it’s there.
Save: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Liquid Daily Sun Protection SPF55 ($12) is fantastic. Another sheer and weightless sunscreen offering oil-free waterproof/sweatproof protection. This one is perfect on it’s own, or under/over your make up. It is also PABA free and non irritating.
2. Eye Cream:
This is all the more important on those squinty sunny days. We sweat, we get dehydrated, we forget our sunglasses, and we squint. Yikes! So keep that area nourished and moisturized. My eyes are very sensitive so I keep my sunscreen in my face cream and stick to amazing rich ingredients for my eye cream.
Splurge: Shiseido Wrinkle Resist24 Intensive Eye Contour Cream is simply genius. I have tried hundreds (well not quite…but almost) of eye creams and not even the uber expensive ones come close to working as well as this one. Keeps your eye area soft and supple, plumps dry skin with hyarulonic acid, and gently erases fine lines with a mild retinol.
Save: Olay Regenerist Eye Lifting Serum ($25) helps to firm and moisturize the entire eye area. Olay continues to blow away higher priced brands in blind tests and I have deep love for this line. The Regenerist Eye Lifting Serum has a gorgeous silky texture sinks right into the skin around the eye and makes a perfect base for make up as well.
3. Lip Balm:
Splurge: Jane Iredale LipDrink SPF15 ($15) is simply amazing. Very gently flavored with a bit of a lemonade essence that is just yummy, and wow does it protect your lips while making them super soft. Love.
Save: Maybelline Baby Lips SPF20 ($5) are probably the most incredible thing you will spend $5 on. The clear formula is incredible as it moisturizes and sinks right into your lips, indeed making them baby soft. But try the tints! They are awesome! Cherry Me makes you look like you just had a cherry popsicle – seriously pretty.
4. After Sun Care:
Even if you have been good and kept your skin protected with sunscreen, and possibly a wide brimmed hat, a day outside in the sun, wind and fresh air can leave you feeling fantastic, exhilarated but a bit dry and dehydrated. I’m sure you all have a big old bottle of aloe vera gel, which is a must have for everyone.
But, I have a quick post shower routine that cools, soothes and refreshes. One of my fave prodz ever is rosewater. Any old rosewater will do, just choose your fave.
I buy the cheap stuff from the health food store, put in a spray bottle (hello, dollar store!) and spritz myself head to toe. Rosewater soothes and nourishes irritated skin, reduces inflammation and makes you feel lovely. They often contain aloe and glycerin as well, which just add to the feel good/do good factor. Try it, you won’t believe how good it feels.
Protect and nourish yourself, because you know you are worth it. It’s easy, right?
Jane Daly is the proud mum of two amazing young women. She loves helping women find their own individual beauty and to bring a positive message to all things beauty related. Jane worked for many years in the perfume and beauty industry and doesn’t believe we have to spend a lot of money to feel beautiful! Follow her on Twitter.