Consumer Health Features
Head-to-Toe Best Beach Beauty Round-up Must Haves, July 2010
By April MacIntyre Jul 4, 2010, 22:45 GMT
Beach bound? Take us to the store with you EPA/DAN ANDERSON
Summer puts different stresses on your skin and hair than the cold months.
More of your skin and hair is bared and the little details all matter, like a fresh manicure, pedicure and callus-free feet. Skin-tone and clarity is key, as less makeup is usually worn and skin cannot hide as in colder months.
Keeping your largest organ and epidermis healthy and looking good is not effortless and takes a bit of planning. But selecting the right product for the job makes the entire grooming process a breeze if you are armed with knowledge. You also don't have to spend a fortune doing this.
Summer is the perfect time to put your beauty regimen on a schedule, planning one day a week to pay extra care to feet, hair and nails and maintain a more rigorous exfoliation and hydrating habit for parched thirsty skin than needs the TLC.
For the last few months, Monsters and Critics has put an avalanche of products to the test, and we have winnowed the herd to the following Best Beach Bag Beauty items list below, based on the most optimal performance, efficacy, wear-ability, paraben-free, affordability and even unique style for the accessory categories of casual shoes and bags. Tried and true, these products deliver what they promise and will not let you down.
Take us shopping with you for the best of "Beach Bag Beauty July 2010"
Leg/Under Arm/Face Shave Cream
Avalon Organics Moisturizing Cream Shave "Lavender"
Avalon Organics Moisturizing Cream Shaves are formulated for both men and women with any skin type. The product is perfect for summer skin issues and consists of soothing plant oils and aloe Vera. Beta glucan will expedite the natural repairing of nicks and irritation that can occur.
Best bet is Lavender Moisturizing Cream Shave - formulated with organic extracts of calendula, chamomile and green tea, with organic lavender oil, organic sunflower and flax oils as well as beta glucan, is designed for all skin types. Organic kosher: Certified by Quality Assurance International and certified by Texas Department of Agriculture; certified by Oregon Tilth Certified Organic; certified by International Certification Services. No parabens, petroleum-based ingredients, sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate or other harsh preservatives or chemicals. No synthetic fragrances or colors. 100% vegetarian ingredients and no animal testing.
Faux Sun
Nature's Gate Sunless Tanner
Paraben-free, cruelty free, this lightweight, non-streak moisturizing lotion provides the look of a glowing tan, without exposing your skin to the damaging effects of the sun. Antioxidant-rich Green Tea and Red Raspberry extracts are combined with Olive Oil, Aloe, and Hibiscus to nourish skin while delivering believable color. This product is an excellent choice for this sensitive to most over-the-counter self-tanners loaded with crazy chemicals. No funky smell either!
Tinted Moisturizer / foundation alternative
FreshMinerals SPF 20 Creme Hydratante Teintee
This French line has a real range of tints for those who like an even complexion but hate wearing real face makeup in the hot weather. For men and women, this interesting moisture rich product excels with a tube applicator that has a foundation brush attached that smoothes the product evenly on the skin. It took a minute to figure it out, but once the applicator cap is off, you squeeze the tube and the mousse like moisture tint oozes up into the brush, and you apply to the face in light center-downward strokes to evenly apply. Actually evens and covers skin imperfections weightlessly.
With an SPF 20, loaded with vitamin E and C, the FreshMinerals tinted moisturizer protects against harmful UV rays while replenishing the health and natural glow of the skin. Fabulous product that is perfect for all skin types, except the oilier skins.
Water resistant Serious cover up
Perfect Touch Camouflage Creme
A superb all-around concealer and tough enough for summer heat.
Sometimes you need the big guns to cover broken veins, scars, spots and other imperfections that are bared in the summertime. This deeply intensive dense cover-up is pigment rich and a work horse for anyone who needs to color correct and blend into natural skin tone.
Pro makeup artists love it for its effective long-lasting opaque coverage. The product is best used with a concealer brush and is a soft, creamy consistency (not greasy). Resists smudging, streaking, fading, creasing and humidity. Softens the look of fine lines and can be worn with make-up or by itself. fragrance and cruelty-free.
Finish powder for face and body
St. Tropez Bronzing Shimmer Powder
Coolest applicator ever, as the shimmer powder is clicked into an attached brush that can be used to apply bronzed gleam anywhere on the face and body. St. Tropez and their vast line of self-tanners are the go-to supplier for 'Dancing with the Stars" and makes all the dancers that gleamy bronzed color.
St Tropez Bronzing Shimmer Brush dispenses the bronzing powder from a brush. The main barrel holds the shimmer and the button at the end dispenses it through the brush with just a couple of clicks. A protective cap is also supplied to keep the brush at its best. great for all-over color and highlighting for those who just want minimal makeup in the hot weather.
Hair repair and care
Peter Lamas "Repair Me" Detangling Mist Leave in Conditioning Treatment
Lightweight, effective moisture that doesn’t weigh down fine hair? Yes indeed. This lightly-scented leave-in conditioner can go from beach to weekender trip in your bag, always ensuring the dreaded hay hair of summer doesn't creep up on you after a day at the shore or by the pool. This is a terrific leave in product that makes a blow-out shine too.
Massively useful and a must-get beach bag item. Peter Lamas' "Repair Me" is paraben free and strengthens and restores hair with Biotin and Niacin and other certified organic botanicals plus panthenol and proteins condition and provide natural body. UV shield protection guards against color fading as it detangles without pulling or breaking. As all our beach bag beauty picks are, it is cruelty free, made in a green-friendly environment in the USA.
Hair smoother for the curly tops
Got2Be "Smooth Operator"
Hair either goes stick straight and limp or curly frizzy fried in the hot weather. got2b Smooth Operator Smoothing Lustre Lotion delivers control, shapes, smoothes, and controls fly-always and imparts an amazing weightless lustre and softness for the curly headed crew. This product protects against damage from heat styling and contains a UV protectant. Made in the USA.
Body Moisture
Tree Hut line of Body butters, lotions
Addictive and one of the best feeling and quickly absorbed lotions around, Tree Hut is a Hall of Fame best buy and tops in product efficacy and overall excellence. Take it from someone who has splurged on Sisley, La Prairie, Chanel and Lazlo body creams.
Reasonably priced (as are most all our picks) the new line introduced is the 'Almond & Honey' collection that features a Shea Body Lotion and complimentary Body Butter, a perfect combo for the entire body.
The latest Tree Hut body moisture superstar is the sweet scent of Almond and Honey. The lotion is a rich, non-greasy formulation infused with Certified Organic Shea Butter, Almond Extract & Honey, hydrates the skin leaving it smooth and supple. Vitamin E and Aloe Vera have also been added to help soothe and condition skin. Tree Hut is a paraben-free product with no DMDM.
Natural Almond Extract & Honey are used and all their line is made with certified organic Shea butter. No testing on animals and made in the USA. There entire line of product is excellent. I am never without the Tree Hut Shea Body Butter, Brazilian Nut scent. Warning: It is addictive stuff.
Normal T-zone oily, normal-to-oily and Oily/Acne prone skincare for hot weather
Vichy "NormaDerm" Line
Vichy is allergy and dermatologist-tested, non-comedogenic and made with their Thermal Spa Water. The deep cleansing gel and complimentary astringent contains Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, and Witch Hazel extract to thoroughly cleanse deep down. I have normal skin and I appreciate the effortless deep cleansing in the hot weather. Helps to unclog pores, remove blackheads and reduce redness caused from acne and Rosacea. Leaves skin squeaky clean but not dried out. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive.
Their Normaderm Anti-Blemish Intensive Treatment Cream acne spot treatment is genius stuff. Eliminates impurities. Visibly reduces the appearance of pores for a more even skin surface. For the treatment of seasonal acne and general skin eruptions. Helps prevent new acne blemishes from reappearing and clarifies skin texture.
Facial Skin Polish
Boscia Smoothing Facial Polish
This natural, botanically-based product is the perfect summer skin smoothing facial exfoliator containing natural Mannan granules. Willow Herb assists to calm any redness and irritation to reveal new healthy skin.
Medicinal Carbon absorbs deep dirt and oil while Jujube Fruit promotes circulation and accelerates skin cell regeneration for a healthy complexion. Althaea Root and Jojoba Leaf, a powerful antioxidant, hydrate skin and help protect against free radical damage. Feels great, easy to use and a must for summer skin maintenance. Use 2-3 times a week in summer.
Daily Moisture
Noah's Naturals Moisturizer with SPF 15
Reasonably priced, Noah's Naturals Moisturizer with SPF 15 is a light-weight hydrating, fragrance-free product that absorbs quickly, and protects skin with vitamins A, C, E & bisabolol. Bonus is there are no harsh sulfates, parabens, propylene glycol, petrolatum, phthalates, or animal by-products. All Noah's products are cruelty-free and never tested on animals. Men like this product as much as the ladies and it is packaged in a packable tube for travel.
Intensive Sun Protection
La Roche-Posay Anthelios SX
Daily Moisturizing Cream UVA/UVB Protection SPF 15
Fragrance-free, PABA-free and effective SPF care, Anthelios SX is the moisturizer with the highest protection against harmful UVA rays, The product has the most complete broad-spectrum protection and the first sunscreen approved by the FDA in 18 years. Oilier skins will love the light formula that provides 24-hour hydration. Active ingredients include Parsol 1789 (avobenzone) protects against long UVA rays and is stabilized by Octocrylene and Mexoryl SX is photostable on its own and protects against short UVA rays. Great, unfussy line of sun protection overall.
CosMedix Reflect SPF 30 Spray and Serious Protection SPF 28 pump lotion
CosMedix Reflect SPF 30 Spray This is pricier sun care but worth every penny. I carry the SPF spray everywhere and it is the fastest way to hit kids with some protection going out the door. Light, no fragrance to speak of and effective. If most sunscreen breaks out your skin, this is your pick. CosMedix Reflect SPF 30 Natural Sunscreen is a Titanium Dioxide based sunscreen that is oil-free for all skin types. The formula is a blend of non-irritating, antioxidant-rich ingredients that block both UVB and UVA sun rays. Great for extremities, décolleté and fast "on the go" sun care. Non-Waterproof. Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 15%. Natural & Organic materials used. Paraben-free, cruelty free.
CosMedix Serious Protection SPF 28 Sunscreen. Rich, pump dispenser sun-protectant combines Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide to give you the most potent protection around, saving your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. No discernible scent. 3.3 fl. oz.
Ideal for those of all skin types except oiliest, especially sensitive, who want a powerful and protecting sunscreen for everyday use. Heavier feeling product, I prefer this lotion for neck, décolleté, backs of hands and face.
Alba Botanica Very Emollient Sun block SPF 30
Alba Botanica Fragrance Free Sunscreen SPF 30 was recently reformulated and is improved with higher sun protection factors and skin care benefits. Sensitive skin ideal, this creamy emulsion consists of Certified organic aloe Vera, chamomile, ginkgo biloba, and green tea soothes and repairs free radical damage that often results from exposure to the sun. Water resistant, paraben-free, UVA/UVB protection, the crème is light-weight but rich feeling, fast-absorbing, and a fragrance-free formula. For all skin types. Helps prevent sunburn. Children under 6 months, ask a doctor.
CellCeuticals BioMedical Skin Treatment
PhotoDefense Anti-Photo Aging Daily Skin Protector SPF 55+
This is the go-to product for extremely sensitive combination skin that cannot normally withstand the majority of SPF products out there. CellCeuticals is a new breed of high tech skincare products that incorporate high SPF and micro algae, green tea and cellular protectors to combat aging skin too. CellCeuticals Photo Defense Anti-Photo Aging Daily Skin Protector SPF 55 is pricier than the other mentioned items but delivers real protection and is a must for anyone who has had skin cancer scares.
Photo Defense Anti-Photo Aging Daily Skin Protector SPF 55 is a \lightweight chemical based sunscreen starring Photoplex, a composite of ingredients (avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene and oxybenzone) that defend against UVA, UVB, and oxidative damage. Photoplex obliterates free radicals and glycation products which occur as a result of sun exposure, inflammation and injury to the skin.
It is these cellular by-products and effects that contribute to photo aging and genetic transformation in skin cells, which can give rise to cancer. Photo Defense is also fortified with vitamin D and an arsenal of anti-oxidants to support the skin's defenses. Photo Defense works beautifully as a makeup base and doesn't feel too heavy as many of the SPF moisturizers can feel.
One of the best sun care products I have ever tried and I sent this to my dad, age 76, who just had a Squamous Cell Carcinoma shaved of the top of his bald head.
Night Repair
Patricia Wexler's Intensive Deep Wrinkle Treatment
Excellent absorbable refining treatment for men and women. Negligible to no fragrance. Dr. Wexler recommends if you have sensitive skin, begin this treatment at night 1-2 times a week for the first few weeks and build up to daily use. Can be used under a night moisturizer for drier skin. Skin looks smoother, overall texture and color improves and this product is a wonderful treatment if you are prone to Rosacea. It levels out the skin texture and the retinol in the product will improve the complexion. The product does increase sun sensitivity so daily SPF is required.
Teeth maintenance, cosmetic whitening
Rembrandt "Plus" toothpaste
This is meant for daily maintenance, and is a great investment in keeping teeth bright and white.
Drink Diet Coke? Tea? Coffee? Eat Blueberries? You need this: Rembrandt's latest tooth polish offerings include the "Plus" Wintergreen and Fresh Mint premium whitening mint toothpaste, and Premium whitening fluoride toothpaste with peroxide. Rembrandt was created by a dentist who found a papaya enzyme that naturally helps clean your teeth. This little enzyme created an active compound called Citroxain that makes this stuff really work. Made in USA.
Fashion accessory for Hot Weather
Terracycle Yak Pak recycled billboard Totes
Hot accessory alert: Water resistant and strong, I cannot rave enough about this versatile go-to tote for every conceivable summer related event. Picnics, beach, park, summer school, and weekend trips- it does it all and bonus is, you are recycling trash with style. Cruelty-free fashion.
This functional multipurpose tote - as every Yak Pak Terracycle tote - is made of reclaimed billboards, so you’ll never run into someone with the exact color or graphics. The vinyl material can stand up to everyday wear-and-tear and is water resistant. Specific billboard is subject to variability. The bags are conversation starters and highly covetable. Yak Pak is a cool company, with a great corporate ethos and reasonable prices which equals must. have. now.
Feet for summer
FLOJOS Sandals for Hot Weather
Hot accessory alert: Flojos are what the California “gurls” and boys wear in the sweltering weather. The styles reflect a beach lifestyle. Flojos are affordable USA-made beach, fashion and sport sandals for women, men and children, with a focus on stylish comfort.
Their original sandal style was inspired by Mexican culture that has been a favorite among fisherman, surfers and beachcombers since the 1940’s. The men’s line, which originated with the Original Flojos and Toejos rubber sandals more than 20 years ago, now runs the gamut from the basic rubber sandal to sport sandals, fashion sandals.
April MacIntyre is Monsters and Critics' smallscreen and people/celebrity editor who loves to snoop around in makeup trailers when she can. You can follow her on Twitter.
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