The Tale Of Two Sunscreens - La Roche-Posay and Ipsa

Hello, I have a tendency to try new sunscreens.  I have been trying two new sunscreens since February and experienced very different reactions.  They are La Roche-Posay Athelios 50 Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid and Ipsa Sun Protector.  Before I get to them, here are some basics I look for in a new sunscreen:


1) Must be broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) with minimum SPF30


2) Can be physical, chemical, or combination of both.  I prefer physical sunscreens, but I also use chemical sunscreens.  In case you are interested, below is a list of FDA approved sunscreens found on the Skin Cancer Foundation's website:

FDA-Approved Sunscreens
Active Ingredient/UV Filter Name	Range Covered
	UVA1: 340-400 nm
	UVA2: 320-340 nm
	UVB: 290-320 nm
Chemical Absorbers:
Aminobenzoic acid (PABA)	UVB
Avobenzone	UVA1
Cinoxate	UVB
Dioxybenzone	UVB, UVA2
Ecamsule (Mexoryl SX)	UVA2
Ensulizole (Phenylbenzimiazole Sulfonic Acid)	UVB
Homosalate	UVB
Meradimate (Menthyl Anthranilate)	UVA2
Octocrylene	UVB
Octinoxate (Octyl Methoxycinnamate)	UVB
Octisalate ( Octyl Salicylate)	UVB
Oxybenzone	UVB, UVA2
Padimate O	UVB
Sulisobenzone	UVB, UVA2
Trolamine Salicylate	UVB
Physical Filters:
Titanium Dioxide	UVB, UVA2
Zinc Oxide	UVB,UVA2, UVA1

3) Must be good for sensitive and dry skin

La Roche-Posay Athelios 50 Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid

There have been a lot of positive write ups on this sunscreen around the web.  In February, I read this is Charlize Theron's go to sunscreen, so I thought it must be a good one and I had high hopes for it to work for me.  


It is a physical sunscreen with SPF 50 for the face.  I like that it is water-resistant and fragrance and paraben free.  It has a runny milky consistency and it needs to be shaken up in the bottle before use.  You can get a white cast from it if you apply too much, so a little goes a long way.  It can be found in most drugstores that carry La Roche-Posay. 


During the first week of use, my skin had no problems and tolerated well.  I continued to use it everyday for weeks and I began to notice dry patches developing on my cheeks.  Given the weather was still cold and dry and I was constantly exposed to indoor heating, I thought the environment was the culprit for the dry patches.  But I never had dry patches in the past, so I was not entirely sure what caused them.  This sunscreen provides a matte finish, so I figured it must contain oil control ingredients.  I finally decided to stop using it and the dry patches began to dissipate.  I exfoliated and used a drugstore and some high end moisturizing products to combat the dry patches for good.  I will discuss these products in another post because they really work on dry patches.  Now I am back on with my regular skincare and have no problems since.  


My conclusion on this sunscreen is that it is more suitable for oily skin or if you live in a humid environment and need a sunscreen with oil control.  I really wanted to like this product, but unfortunately I will no longer be using it on my face.  I will however try to finish it by using it on the body instead.


Ipsa Sun Protector SPF 30 PA+++

In my early days of wearing sunscreen, my go to sunscreens were always Japanese brands such as Shiseido.  I have always trusted Japanese brands in skincare and I have tried numerous brands over the years.  Some friends of my mine swear by Japanese skincare and they have flawless and perfect skin to show for.


I picked up Ipsa Sun Protector SPF 30 PA+++ during my last trip to Hong Kong.  I have read good reviews on their makeup, but I did not know anything about this sunscreen.  This particular sunscreen was recommended to me by the SA because it is good for dry skin.  I have been using it for over one month and I must say it is fantastic.  It is a chemical sunscreen and it feels almost like a light moisturizer.  It has a light fragrance to it.  The weather has been warming up and it is the perfect opportunity to test it out.  So far, I have not been getting darker while using this.  I feel well protected with this sunscreen.  


Overall, this one is a winner for me.  The only downside is that it is rather hard to find in the US, as IPSA is sold exclusively in Asia.  There are some Asian cosmetics websites that sell it, but it is more expensive compared to the price I paid overseas.  I plan to repurchase this the next time I head to Asia.


What is your go to sunscreen these days?  Until next post......

Indian Summer Weather Must Haves

Hello, Summer in the Bay Area is often mild and cool, that is why I love this time of the year because of the Indian Summer weather.  We have had several mini heatwaves since Fall has officially started.  I love the hot weather, but I want to protect my skin at the same time from aging and cancer.  These are some products that I think would help in prevention of both.  Let's check out my current must haves for Indian Summer weather.

Facial Sunscreen

Jurlique Sun Lotion SPF 30+ - After finishing the Sofina Beaute Sunscreen SPF 50 that I purchased in Hong Kong, I was not able to repurchase it from the US because I could not find the exact same product online. I wanted to try something new and decided to go with a brand that is more accessible to me.   Jurlique Sun Lotion SPF 30+ is a chemical and physical sunscreen in one.  It is wonderful in so may different ways.  First, it does not smell like a sunscreen, it smells like lavender.  Lavender oil is one of its ingredients.  Second, it is lightweight and goes on clear on the skin, so it will not leave a white cast.  Lastly, it is super hydrating for my dry skin and yet it does not break me out.  I usually wear this sun lotion over a moisturizer or serum and then put makeup on top of it.  The full listing of the ingredients can be found on Jurlique's website.  It is available in a frosted glass bottle in 30ml or 100 ml at Jurlique and Sephora.

Body Sunscreen

Lavanila Laboratories The Healthy Sunscreen SPF 30 Body Cream - If you are not familiar with Lavanila Laboratories, the healthy fragrance was their first of many breakthrough products.  If you love vanilla notes in fragrances, you should try theirs.  I absolutely love their fragrances and will probably review them at some point in time.  Back to Lavanila Laboratories The Healthy Sunscreen SPF 30 Body Cream, it is a 100% natural mineral sunscreen for the body.  It has a creamy consistency that is easily spreadable on the skin as compared to some other mineral sunscreens that I have tried in the past.  It will leave a white cast on the skin, but this is common with most mineral sunscreens.  It comes in a 4 oz tube and it is available at Sephora.

Lip Sunscreen

Lavanila The Healthy Lip Screen SPF30 - Don't forget sunscreen on your lips! I talked about Lavanila The Healthy Lip Screen SPF30 in this post.  For sanitary reasons, my only wish is that it would come in a lip balm stick instead of a tin container, I am not a big fan of dipping my fingers into lip balms.  Other than this, I think it is a great product.

 
Thanks for reading!  Until next post......

Best of September Roundup - Skin Care, Makeup, Body Care, and Fragrance

Hello, It is a beautiful Sunday and the sun is out!  I have enjoyed so many new and old products in the month of September, it was a bit hard to choose which products to post.  I have been hauling happy lately, so my personal goal is to use up most of the older products first.  So they do not end up going bad which is very wasteful. 

Anyway, let's get started......

Skin Care

Lip care is a part of my skin care regimen.  It is important to protect our lips from the sun too.  I wore Lavanila The Healthly Lip Screen SPF30 almost everyday in September.  I alternate it with Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balms on the days when it was not as hot.  The Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balms do not contain sunscreen. 

As you can see, the ingredients are very natural.  When I first put it on, there is a cooling and tingling sensation from the peppermint oil.  The balm warms up easily on the fingers and it has a minty taste.  I have tried other natural lip balms with sunscreen and the sunscreen in the product would always make my lips white.  Unless I am hanging out at the beach, I would not care about this.  But for everyday, I get too embarrassed and I will not leave the house with white lips.  Lavanila The Healthly Lip Screen SPF30 is clear, so white lips are not an issue.

Makeup

I reviewed the FAIRYDROPS Scandal Queen Mascara here last month.  It is my HG mascara to date and I have been wearing it everyday.  It is amazing because it volumizes, lengthens, and it curls the lashes.  Really?  Yes, it curls my lashes!  I forgot to curl my lashes with an eyelash curler one morning and left the house, I do not know how it works but the mascara curled my lashes when I put on the mascara.  My lashes looked lifted and curled up as if I curled them with a eyelash curler, it was a WOW moment for me!

Body Care

I picked up the butter London Handbag Holiday Cuticle Oil from Nordstrom's this summer.  I love their nail lacquers, so I thought I should branch out and try their other products too.  I have been doing my own manicure and pedicure and needed something for my out of control dry cuticles.  What I love most about this cuticle oil is the scent, it smells like Pina Colada!  I cannot stop smelling my hands whenever I brush it on.  It smells divinely tropical, I imagine myself on an island far far away......Back to earth now.  I do not know the exact ingredients in the oil as they are not listed on the butter London's website or on the bottle.  There are ingredients listed on other online retailers' websites, but they are not consistently the same.  According to Nordstrom's website, it contains vitamins A and E.  On the back of the bottle, it mentions it is mineral oil-free if it is a concern of yours.

Fragrance

I always carry a bottle of Tsi~La Organics perfume oil in my handbag, it is easily portable and perfect for touch ups.  They are natural and so light, not overpowering in the warm weather.  I reviewed this collection here.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend!  Thanks for reading!

FNO Goodies

Hello, Fashion Night Out had some great events last night.  I managed to make my rounds after work and take in the local scene.  I stopped at Neiman Marcus, Macy's, Sephora, and a couple of drugstores.  After making my rounds, I wanted to catch the underground train to head home for dinner.  I knew there was a planned protest by the infamous "Anonymous" group at the station where I wanted to catch the train, so I was somewhat prepared.  The station was shut down until 8:30pm, later than I had expected.  I was tired and frustrated!  All the recent protests by this group have been very disruptive to the commuters.  Although the protests have been peaceful, I wish they would stop and let people get on with their normal transportation routines.

Anyway, I got the NM tote and samples galore.  Here are five main items I picked up from the different stores:

• Chantecaille Ultra Sun Protection SPF50 PA +++
• Chantecaille Just Skin Anti-Smog Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 in Glow
• Hourglass Film Noir Lash Lacquer in Kohl
• Lancome HYPNÔSE Doll Lashes Mascara in Black
• Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Dark-Circle Roller in Sheer Tone

 I can't wait to try everything!  Have a great weekend!  Until next post......

9/13/11 Edit - I was disappointed with the color match of Chantecaille Just Skin Tinted Moisturizer after trying both Glow and Bliss, neither worked as I was in between the two colors.  However, I did like the formula because it gave me a dewy look.  I exchanged it for Le Metier de Beaute Peau Vierge Anti-Aging Complexe in Shade 02.  I have tried this product before and I am happy to have re-purchased it. It comes in three shades now instead of two shades in the past.  Shade 02 is a good match for me.

Summer Morning Skincare Routine for Glowing Skin

Hello, Let's talk about skincare for the summertime.  As seasons change, we should examine our own skin changes to determine the right products to use.  It is ok to change your skincare when the weather changes, it is the same as changing your wardrobe.  I have been using the products in the picture since the weather became warmer.  This is a morning routine that I find works well  for me, my skin type is dry and sensitive. Like many of you, I do not have much time to fuss around in the morning, these products absorb quickly and they are effective in my opinion.

From left to right in the picture:

Cleanser

Melvita Cleansing Micellar Water - I use this when I have dry patches, it does not strip my skin like a gel cleanser and water would.  I apply to skin with a cotton pad, it wakes up my skin in the morning and leaves it lightly moisturized.  I like this cleansing water a lot because 99.57% of the total ingredients are of natural origin. 

Arcona White Tea Purifying Cleanser - When I get occasional breakouts or if I want my skin to be squeaky clean, this is my go-to cleanser.  It cleanses the skin thoroughly without striping it.  It has many natural antioxidants and enzymes in the ingredients, so it is good for the skin.  Not to mention the smell is simply divine!

Jurlique Purely White Skin Brightening Cleanser- I am not into tanning, I prefer to keep my skin fair and bright looking.  I use this foaming cleanser two to three times a week especially after I have been exposed to the sun.  The Vitamin C is the brightening property in this product.  It leaves my skin with a nice glow after using it. 

Serum

Arcona Booster Defense Serum - I prefer serums over moisturizers for daytime because it is lighter in texture and most are hydrating enough for me.  I have only been using this serum for a week and I like it so far.  This is skin food, it gives vitamins and nutrients to the skin and provides light hydration. 

Sunscreen

Sofina Beaute (sunscreen) SPF 50+ PA+++ - I feel naked without sunscreen!  I wear sunscreen every single day even in the dead of winter.  This is a Japanese product that I purchased from SOGO department store in Hong Kong.  I have only seen similar Sofina Beaute sunscreens online and not at any retail stores in the US.

Tinted Moisturizer

Becca Lumnious Skin Colour SPF 25+ in Sand or Cashmere - This is my favorite tinted moisturizer for casual days.  It is very sheer and leaves a wash of color on the skin.  I would recommend this for people who have fairly good skin because it has a very light coverage.  It leaves your skin very glowy, I typcially powder over the T-zone area to avoid too much shine a few hours later. 

Hope this helps you and I will post a night skincare routine real soon.  Until next post......