boxes of pretty (delivered monthly!)

Several of the beauty blogs I read have been talking about their monthly beauty boxes. These sounded like some fun programs, so I checked them out.  Basically, you sign up (or more likely, you put your name on a waiting list) and when there is room for you, you subscribe.  Most programs run about $10 a month, with options to cancel.  For the money, you receive a package of assorted samples (and sometimes full size products, depending on the program).  Sadly, a lot of these programs are not yet available in the US (but the websites promise their working on it).

I put my name on a bunch of the lists, crossed my fingers, and hoped for the best.  Within about a month I got notifications from two programs; My Glam Bag and The Look Bag.  I signed up for both (and quietly vowed to cut back on my willy-nilly beauty spending)...shortly thereafter a few more of the sites let me know that I could join their programs too...maybe later.

I came home from my lovely weekend and had both packages waiting for me.

I was super happy with the Glam Bag. There is a LipQuench from the Dermstore that has become a daily use product for me.  I appreciated the brushes too (I've been needing a new slanted eyeliner brush anyway). The bag is small and cute, a lovely little purse size. There was also a liner from Urban Decay in a teal color (which I may not have picked up on my own, but is worth a try).  I went out and bought some eyelash glue, so I'm looking forward to trying out the lashes too. So far I'm totally jazzed about my beauty subscription.

The Look Bag was a little less jazzy for me.  The Jovie lotion is a great size, but a little too much fragrance for my taste. I'm looking forward to trying the Pur~lisse essential daily moisturizer with SPF 30. There is a Laura Mercier perfecting water, that I'll have to check out online, because I'm not 100% sure what it's for. There is a fragrance sample (in Water Garden, could be nice..we'll see) and lastly I received a hair oil from Orofludo (?, never heard of them, but with summer coming my hair is sure to get dry at the ends).

The Look Bag, after the Glam Bag was a little bit of a let down...but hey if it doesn't work out I'll cancel and try a different program. No worries.

pretty for summer SPF edition

I, like the majority of people out there, don't use sunscreen correctly (by that, I mostly mean that I do not wear enough). I use a sunscreen on my face daily...but for my body I tend to only use that when I'm going to be in the sun (which is where the problems start).  Sun damage is cumulative, so even non beach days count for sun exposure...and here I am only protecting my face, when it turns out that most people show the signs of aging on their hand and neck areas...yep, I need to be protecting my skin more.

To cover your body with sunscreen you should use about two ounces, (or a full shot glass).  My average size sunscreen bottle is 6 ounces...even if I use less on days when I don't expect to be in the sun (days working or running errands) I should still be using probably at least an ounce or so to cover my arms, hands, neck and chest areas.

Here were my basic questions about sunscreen, and the answers I found to be useful (be advised: as with all beauty topics, there is also information to the contrary out there).

What's new in the world of sunscreen? (Yes, this was my first question, because I received an email newsletter with a topic of "New FDA Rules Regarding Sunscreen")

• Products will have to pass FDA tests for UVA and UVB exposure to be labeled broad spectrum
• From now on all sunscreens will be required to have the standard 'drug facts' on their labels
• Products will no longer be able to claim 'sweatproof' or 'waterproof'; the FDA will only allow 'water resistant 40 minutes' or 'extra water resistant 80 minutes'
• Source: International Dermal Institute News

What do the SPF numbers really mean? (I knew they had to do with exposure time, but could not remember what exactly)

• If it takes you 15 minutes to burn an SPF of 15 would keep you from burning for 15 times that long...however, that is only true if you were getting the exact same amount of sun exposure the entire time...which is pretty impossible considering the whole Earth rotating the Sun thing we've got going on. From what I understand, the FDA is tackling this kind of outdated logic too, so as more regulations pass the SPF guides will either change or drop away.

Is a higher SPF better? (I've held strongly to the notion that there is really no need to go higher than 30 for a long time...but have things changed?)

•  For that, I trusted this article on WebMD. I feel the info on there is well worded and worth a read, if you're so inclined.

Basically, in regards to sunscreen use the correct amount of coverage or you'll just be fooling yourself about how protected you are...always always reapply...and make it a part of your daily routine or you may end up an old leather lady before your time.

pretty in Palm Springs

Coachella Weekend One!

My good friend has an email that she sends out per request to friends attending their first Coachella.  She's been going for years and years and she is a total pro.  I just read a blog entry regarding Coachella (see: broke girls guide: coachella survival kit ) and have decided to create my own. 

Recommended: 

• hat or parasol (provide yourself with shade, because the nice shady areas get crowded)
• sunscreen (kind of a given but whatev), I'm going to be putting on a Clarins progressive tanning sunscreen with spf 20 in the am and reapplying with a Hawaiian Tropic spf 30 later in the day.
• no blankets are allowed, but I'm bringing an old sarong to sit on (sometimes the grass is itchy), they recommend a small beach towel, but I think the sarong takes up less space.
• Wet Ones antibacterial hand wipes (for after the porta potty situation, before meals, and any other time that my hands may need it).
• speaking of porta potties, it doesn't hurt to bring a little tp with you (just in case)
• if you can get a locker, it's a good thing. You can stash your day stuff (hats, parasols) for the next day and leave jackets and such there for the day til they're needed. It's also a great spot to meet up at the end of the night.

Dress for comfort...that's my plan, but def not a rule. I look forward to seeing all the different Coachella fashions but I myself and my friends we dress pretty comfy. I tend toward shorts and skirts (but as my friend has pointed out if your skirt or dress is really long it may just trap in heat).  I pack a sweater or jacket for later in the day.  For shoes I just go with my flips. Make up wise, again while I look forward to see some people go all out, I'm sticking with my Smashbox BB Cream (because of the high SPF), and a little powder (I use Bare Escentuals in Golden Medium for a quick dusting over any areas that'll get shiny).

I'm so excited for my weekend to begin!