Summer is Here: Protect Yourself!

Hello beauties! I'm so excited that summer is finally here! I was guilty of spending too much time at the pool and beach this past week, so I'd thought I would share some of my tips and tricks about protecting skin from the sun. Sun protection is especially important to me because I have a history of skin cancer in my family, but I think it's essential for everyone to protect their skin to keep it more youthful!


1. Face

Aveeno Active Naturals Natural Protection Mineral Block

For a long time, I was guilty of not wearing sunscreen on my face on a daily basis. But after a speech from my sister about the aging effects of the sun, I decided to start a longtime search for the perfect facial sunscreen. After trying what seemed like dozens of products, I found that many SPF products caused breakouts on my chin and forehead. After doing some research, I found that natural and mineral-based sunscreens are the best for people with sensitive skin. Aveeno has this great product with SPF 30 that is 100% natural. Every morning, I mix a half-dime amount with the same amount of moisturizer. Before going to the pool or beach, I apply this to my face as I would any other sunscreen.

Pros: This is SPF 30, 100% natural, oil-free, fragrance-free, and waterproof.

Cons: I couldn't find it for a long time! I fell in love after trying a sample of this product, but I couldn't find it at my local Walgreens, CVS, or Jewel. Finally, I was able to snag the last one in stock on a trip to Ulta.

Available at: Ulta, Target, Drugstore.com

Price: $10.99

2. Body

Left: Coppertone Tanning Dry Oil Continuous Spray SPF 10

As I mentioned in my "5 Facts About My Skin" post, I have fair skin that is able to tan if I use the right products. This is that product! I have tried tanning oil after tanning oil to get good results without a lobster red burn. This is the first tanning product I have used that I am completely in love with.

Pros: It gives great tanning results, doesn't cause my skin to burn, leaves a beautiful shine after I spray it, and has a super easy-to-use spray application.

Cons: It smells average - exactly what you'd expect a tanning oil to smell like. Also, keep away from the hair!! If just a little bit gets in hair when spraying, it will leave it looking greasy and sticky.

Where to buy: Virtually any drugstore! CVS, Walgreens, Target, Jewel, Walmart.

Price: About $9.99

Right: Coppertone Sport Continuous Spray SPF 30

For those times when I want a heavy duty sunscreen, I choose this sport, sweatproof sunscreen. With a higher SPF, it offers more protection than regular tanning oil. I oftentimes use this when I do a lot of physical activity outside versus just laying out by the pool or beach.

Pros: Higher SPF than tanning oil, sweatproof and waterproof, same easy application, lasts a long time, doesn't burn my skin.

Cons: Like the tanning oil, it doesn't smell amazing, and it can get sticky.

Where to buy: Same as above! CVS, Walgreens, Target, Jewel, Walmart.

Price: About $9.79

3. Lips

Left: Maybelline Baby Lips in Pink Punch

Ever since I purchased this tinted lip balm in my last haul, I have fallen in love with it! It not only gives good color and smells amazing, but it also protects from the sun! I love wearing this to the beach so I can have a little glam without compromising protection from the sun!  

Pros: It's SPF 20, it doesn't dry my lips, it gives great color payoff, it's offered for a super low price, and it smells like a perfect fruity summer! 

Cons: As much as I absolutely love this product, I have noticed sometimes the balm collects at the corners of my mouth. However, that's just a very minor concern for me. 

Where to buy: Ulta, Target, and all drugstores! 

Price: $2.99

Right: Panama Jack Lip Balm in Vanilla

This product is possibly the epitome of all sun-protecting lip balms. It offers great protection and such a yummy taste! Chapped lips are no fun, and this product does an amazing job moisturizing the lips as well as providing a beautiful clear sheen that almost gives off the effect of a lip gloss!

Pros: It's SPF 45 (yes, 45!!), it's very moisturizing, it makes my lips look healthy and beautiful, it comes in both a yummy vanilla and tropical flavor, and it's a great value for a low price!

Cons: It's difficult to find and isn't sold at any of my local drugstores.

Where to buy: Unfortunately, it is only available off the Panama Jack website.

Price: $2.30

4. Wear a floppy sunhat! 

They are super cute for the summer season and they also provide shade from the sun! They can also help prevent hard-to-avoid scalp burns. My favorites are at Forever 21 and are very affordable.

I hope this post gives you an idea of what I do to protect myself from the sun. Now go outside and enjoy this beautiful weather! :) 

5 Facts About My Skin!

Hello beauties! The past few months have been an absolute whirlwind for me, but I'm happy to say that I am back in full-force blogging mode! Since I hope to do quite a bit of skin product reviews and tips, I thought it would be a good idea to write a short post just explaining my skin - freckles and all! 


1. Let's start with the basics: my nationality. I am mostly Norwegian and German, with a little hint of English. So what does that mean? I'm very fair with freckles! In the winter, my freckles are almost unnoticeable, but they quickly darken up in the summer. And as fair as I am, I do have the ability to tan if I use the right products. 


2. I do have history of skin cancer in my family, so I am very careful about protecting my skin from the sun! Look for an upcoming post on how I protect myself with my favorite sunblock products.


3. I have combination skin! If you don't already know, it means my forehead, nose, and chin are all oily while my cheeks are dry. 


4. I have very acne-prone skin in the areas that are oily - especially my chin and forehead. But, after working with a dermatologist to find the best acne medication for me, I have been almost completely clear! I very rarely have a breakout and if I do, it is usually very small. However, please remember that I am not a professional, so I always encourage people struggling with acne to speak to a dermatologist to find what products work best for them! :) 


5. I have Keratosis Pilaris (KP) on my arms and legs. What's KP? Basically, it's a very common and genetic skin condition that causes little red bumps and a rough texture. When I was young, my case was pretty severe, but as I've grown older, my KP has become very mild. By finding the right products that work for me, I have been able to reduce the appearance (and annoyance!) of KP.