SPF - Just a number?

We all know that sun protection is important, right?  Right?  Right!

There are so many reasons to reach for the sunscreen everyday.  

Do you want to avoid premature wrinkles and hyper pigmentation? Then reach for the sunscreen.

Do you want to avoid free radical damage to your skin?  Grab for the bottle of sunscreen.

Do you want to help prevent skin cancer?  PUT ON YOUR SUNSCREEN!

Ok, so we've established the importance of sunscreen.  You know the dangers of NOT wearing it.  We all know that you are going to rush right out to the store and replenish your stock, but what SPF should you buy?  

I used to wander the sunscreen aisle and pick up SPF 45 thinking that I needed a ton of SPF to get the protection I need.  Then I'd put down that bottle and grab the SPF 15 believing that I'd be able to get a little tan if I used a lower SPF.

While looking at sunscreens, that SPF number refers to the ability to block out UVB rays - the rays that cause sun burns.  When it comes down to it, there is a very subtle difference between SPF 10 and SPF 50.  The difference in protection between SPF 30 and SPF 50 is only 3%.  Many consumers get confused thinking that a higher SPF means not having to reapply as often - Whether you are wearing  SPF 10 or 50, it is important to reapply every 2 hours or after swimming or sweating.  Many dermatologist will recommend an SPF of 30, the reapplication is the key to staying protected!

These are a few products I have my eye on:

Vita-C Skin Protective Creme by Le Mieux Cosmetics

This product provides protection and prevention in the same bottle!  It offers protection of SPF 30+.  The protective creme is offered in three different formulas: Translucent, Normal to Dry, and Natural Tinted.

Sport SPF 35 Citrus Mimosa by Coola Organic Suncare

The smell is incredible and I'm crazy about the option of a mineral sunscreen (less chemicals on your skin). Coola offers sunscreens for face, lips and babies.  Other scent options include Plumeria, Cucumber and Peppermint Vanilla.  These products are nourishing for the skin while protecting against harmful UVA/UVB rays.

Lovely Lashes - Jessica

Beautiful Jessica!  I was amazed when she opened her eyes and I was able to see how brilliant the lashes looked on her.  She requested a set that didn't look like butterflies were clinging to her lash line (I cracked up).  She also wears glasses on an off throughout the day so it was important to fill in her lash line without giving her a length that as too much.

Lovely Lashes - Michelle

Michelle was a perfect candidate for lash extensions.  She has gorgeous eye with petite lashes.  The lashes opened up her eyes even more and brought more attention to her fantastic blue eyes.  For a little bit of holiday fun we added a few glitter lashes to the outer part of her lash line!

Lovely Lashes - Kristina

Kristina is one of the first people that expressed interest in getting lashes once she heard I was a certified lash extension specialist.  She now has a full set of fun flirty lashes to bat around town!