Beauty Q&A: Beauty and Fashion Tips and Tricks

I have been looking for a good sunscreen. I get very confused as which one to buy. The other day I was reading the ingredients on top of each tube and bottle of sunscreen at a local pharmacy. One product had Parsol, one had zinc. Which one is better?  Do I still need sunscreen if I go to an outdoor brunch for only a few hours?

Since I get a lot of questions on sunscreen, I decided to do a more detailed research. So, I headed to my local library which I love, and I read an article in the Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, which talked about the result of much research on sunscreen creams and ingredients. The conclusion was that sunscreen has the most biologically active anti-aging  ingredients of the skin care products. So, you will benefit from wearing sunscreen even when you go to brunch. 

Now, let’s talk about different sunscreen ingredients. Chemical sun filters such as Parsol 1789 and oxybenzone soak in the skin and absorb the sun's ray, but zinc oxide or titanium dioxide just sit on the skin surface and deflects UV radiation. You should know that even a sunscreen with the highest SPF is not capable of blocking 100% of UV radiation. And no matter how high your SPF is, you have to reapply your sunscreen every two hours. Also, make sure to apply your sunscreen fifteen to thirty minutes before you go outdoors.

Summer Find

There are many exciting lipsticks with new formulas out this summer, but the one that got my attention is wax-free lip gloss by Givenchy. The reason I got excited is that I love the look of lip gloss especially in summer time, but I always hated the heavy sticky feel of it, until I tried Givenchy lip gloss. I loved the lightness and the fact it stayed on my lips with a nice shine for a long while.  Whenever you want to wear a lip gloss, make sure to use a lip liner first; it helps the lip gloss from running. Apply the gloss to the middle of your lower lip; then press your lips together. This will stop the gloss from getting goopy.

Summer Tip

Make sure to use a lighter moisturizer preferably with sunscreen. To maintain a balance complexion, use a good cleanser on a daily basis and a good exfoliator on a weekly basis. In the hot summertime, instead of cooling down your face by splashing water on it, use a mild toner. Not only will it cool you down, it will also keep your skin hydrated. Unlike water, a good toner is not as harsh. Water (if it is used too many times during a day) can strip your skin of its natural moisture and makes your glands work harder. As a result of using a good toner, you will get an oilier and shinier skin. 

Quote of the Month

“Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old.”

-Franz Kafka