.:: CybeleSays ::.

Getting To The Shea Of Things - Part III

Here are some more products that max out the Shea Butter.

1. LA COMPAGNiE DE PROVENCE Hand Crème ($14/3.4oz @ lcdpmarseille.com)
2. SWEET GRASS FARM Shea Butter Lotion in Fresh White Lilac ($8.95/16.9oz @ sweetgrassonline.com)
3. MD SKiNCARE Powerful Sun Protection SPF 25 Lip Balm ($18/.25oz @ sephora.com)
4. L’OCCiTANE Shea Cotton Ultra Comforting Cream ($38/1oz @ beauty.com)
5. IN KRiSTiNE’S SHOWER Shea Butter Bathbombs ($2/1-2oz to $17.99/12-2oz-pack @ inkristinesshower.com) in scent picks Malibu Baby, Sunny Days and Girly Girl.
6. NATTY GiRL Body Sugar Scrub in Yuzu Peach ($26/13oz @ nattyproducts.com)

Waiting For The Sun

Another reason I am totally cut out for the job of Cybelesays is that I can pretty much put anything on my face without adverse reactions. The only time I was given a problem was with a MAC Face Mask. Remember when they had one in their collection a few years ago? It turned my face red as in burned it! In the trash that one went. When it comes to any other product, I am usually fine when it comes to trying them, except sunscreens. The area around my eyes seems very sensitive to sunscreens so when I test them out, no burning is part of what makes a good one. One in this totally non-irritating category is AZUR Moisturizer and Anti-Aging Crème for Face & Eyes ($30/1.7oz for SPF 30 and $34/1.7oz for SPF 40 @  azurskin.com). This one has a long list of haves and have nots: tearless, natural zinc oxide, titanium dionxide, aloe vera, PABA-free, paraben-free, vitamins E, A and C, oil-free, and overall hypoallergenic. And the overall look? Non-cakey or white (from the zinc oxide). And they even sell travel sizes! Big recommendation.

Moisturizer On Overdrive

If you want to face the day in a safe way, ‘Have a Nice Day’ Super-Charged Moisture Lotion-SPF 15 by ORiGiNS is a must to protect your face from the harmful rays. It may be fall but sunscreen should still be apart of your daily routine. Great for my combination skin, I apply this every morning as it’s a potent blend of UV protectors which includes firming Birch Extract, nourishing Soybean Oil, and Vitamin E that help to stop the dangers of environmental damage and prevent premature aging. And one whiff of the awesome aroma of grapefruit is an instant pick me up. Smells sensational plus prevents sun damage. $32.50/1.7oz @ origins.com ~Randi

The Sun Still Shines

If it’s starting to look and feel a little like fall in your town, don’t be deceived. The sun is still out and shining those UVA and UVB rays, so you still need to protect your face and body. Lots of excellent choices out there so you can choose the one that fits you best.

POLA 1/f (pronounced un-ef) Suncut Milk SPF30 is allergy tested, water resistant and comes in a special formula, one for the face and one for the body ($24/2.1oz @ polakirei.com). I really like to treat my face differently and so I appreciate two different products. Makeup glides on over this non-greasy lotion.

SKiN MEDiCA Environmental Defense Sunscreen SPF30+ contains Hyaluronic acid (for hydrating), vitamin E, caffeine and green tea extract for antioxidant protection. This cutting edge sunscreen is excellent for extended exposure to sun. $38/3oz @ skinstore.com
The spray is the way to go.
JUNE JACOBS Spa Collection Oil-Free Sunscreen Mist, SPF 15 is a convenient and great smelling way to apply sunscreen.  A very fine mist sprays the lotion, which is quick drying and will not clog your pores. But the best thing about the spray is that you can cover those hard to reach places on your back and legs. This formula is very moisturizing so it can multi task. The soft citrus and ginger scent is soothing and not overpowering. $36/7.2oz @ junejacobs.com ~Lisa

Sun-Sational Sunscreen

What a great way to round out our summertime feature, SunSational Sunscreens, than with the mother of all sunscreens. MUSTELA High Protection Sun Lotion SPF 50 ($15/1.6oz @ mustela.com) is made specifically for babies and children but like Johnson’s Baby Shampoo, I like it for me. It is made of 100% minerals so it won’t fully penetrate the skin and it’s hypoallergenic. Don’t you deserve some protection today?

Sun-Sational Sunscreen

The calender may now read September but it’s technically still summertime. At the forefront of technology in N.V. PERRICONE Solar Protection SPF 26 ($48/1.7oz @ nvperriconemd.com) and I’d only expect something extra special from this line. On the sunscreen side, it protects against the UVA and UVB rays and the formula is non-whitening, which means you don’t have to wait for it to absorb before heading outside. On the anti-aging side, it contains their patented ingredient, DMAE, an organic compound naturally found in fish, and key anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatories. This is a good basic to add to your daily routine.

Sun-Sational Sunscreen

Even though the summer will be over before you know it, that doesn’t mean you can pack up your sunscreen for the winter. One major doctor in the field, DR. BRANDT, recommends using one with a minimum of SPF 30 to fully protect. His Tinted Daily UV Protection SPF 30 claims to activate the skin’s natural defenses to protect from the suns damaging rays that can break down natural collagen. And as we age, we need to keep all our collagen!

The formula comes in three shades, Colorless, Face Medium Bronze, and the one I’ve been using, Face Light Bronze. So not only am I getting the full spectrum of protection, I’m also getting a slight tint that evens out my skin tone. It absorbs quickly into the skin leaving no oily residue and a matte finish. I put a teaspoon of this on my face each morning after my moisturizer, just as the doc advises, and I plan to use it everyday until it’s gone to prevent skin cell damage. $30/1.7oz @ drbrandtskincare.com ~Randi

Sun-Sational Sunscreen

It’s well over 100 degrees in Texas these days so I have to be sure I am wearing a serious sunscreen on my face. DARPHiN has a multi tasking Protective Face Cream with SPF 30 in their collection that is a total skin saver. Not only does this oil free formula protect against UVA and UVB rays, but also it hydrates the skin, protects against wrinkles, age spots and other damaging effects of sun exposure. It also contains a breakthrough antioxidant that increases its potency, as sun exposure gets stronger. You can’t ask for more than that! This is good for all skin types and has a very faint botanical aroma. $50/2.6oz @ eluxury.com ~Lisa

Calling All Beach Babes!

Even if you haven’t had a chance to get to the beach this year, you can bring the beach to you! And BOBBI BROWN, thank you for this next awesome product. We seem to be adding quite a few Hall of Fame products to the list this summer and this one so qualifies. It’s Sunscreen Body Spray with SPF 15, appropriately called Beach from her Beach Collection. I can close my eyes and smell the tropical island beaches when I spray it on. This 6.7 ounces of pure pleasure is lightweight, non greasy and water resistant. And for the past couple of weeks, I’ve been wearing it on my neck and arms every morning when I leave the house. The Texas sun is burning these days but I smell like I’m livin’ at the beach. Yum yum yum. $25 @ bobbibrown.com ~Lisa

Sun-Sational Sunscreen

Finally a sunscreen that is completely chemical-free! The buzz about BURT’S BEES new Chemical-Free Sunscreen with Help Seed Oil SPF 15 is well deserved. This is a great greaseless formula that provides UVA/UVB protection and keeps skin well hydrated without harsh chemicals. This product forms a translucent broad-spectrum barrier with an SPF of 15 on top of the skin to reflect the sun’s rays naturally. I love this product that is safe for children and not tested on animals, so pick up a tube and go have fun in the August sun. $15/3.46oz @ burtsbees.com ~Randi

Lighten Up, Francis!

It seems that summertime brings out the flaws in my skin. Or at least I notice them more in the summer. So now I have the power! CLARiNS new Bright Plus HP Collection is high-performance skin care in just four bottles. Patented ingredients help fade age spots, freckles and sun damage. Each product contains their exclusive HP Lock-Around System of vitamin C, Alchmilla (slows excessive transfer of melanin), and Birch (sooths skin irritation and redness), among others. Let these do the work for you:

Bright Plus HP Firming Brightening Serum - $60/1.06oz, Bright Plus HP Protective Brightening Day Lotion SPF 20 - $54/1.7oz, Bright Plus HP Protective Brightening Night Cream - $58/1.7oz, Bright Plus HP On-the –Spot Corrector - $31/.33oz All @ clarins.com

Bright Eyed Beauty

The Queen of (Sun) Screen? *drum roll please * that would be ME. And if you are going to put sunscreen on your face, don't forget the important eye region. The area can be sensitive with some sunscreens so that’s why I was thrilled to find H2O PLUS Aqualibrium Self Defense Eye Protector with SPF 15 ($28/.5oz @ h2oplus.com). While providing non-irritating sun protection, this cream also targets the needs of the delicate eye contour area, including puffiness and dark circles, with their signature sea derived ingredients. And the hydration you get is outstanding (another very important requirement for me). So this is a fabulous, all in one eye cream you should definitely try. ~Lisa

Sun-Sational Sunscreen

A good quality sunscreen doesn’t have to break the bank especially since you should reapply an ample amount throughout the day. COPPERTONE’s latest collection of sunscreeens has one for every situation. Need to cover Johnny with a high SPF before he goes outside to play? Kids QuickCover Lotion Spray Sunscreen, SPF 50. Need one that’s Oil-Free? Oil-Free QuickCover Lotion Spray Sunscreen. Playing on the local softball team this summer? Continuous Sport Sunscreen Spray, SPF 50. And for those like me who are just plain lazy when it comes to exerting any effort to rub it in, Continuous No-Rub Sunscreen Spray, SPF 50. $6.99-$9.996oz @ drugstore.com

Sue Devitt Makes A Splash

International makeup artist SUE DEViTT makes a splash with her Microquatic Skin series, which includes makeup and skin care products. These are marine-based products that offer lots of hydration and healthy looking skin immediately. While I usually opt for spot concealing instead of foundation during the warm months, I’m hooked on Microquatic Pro-Marine Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 because it’s a lightweight moisturizing cream with sunscreen. I get a great glow plus high SPF protection from the sun! And Sardina, a golden beige shade, is a perfect match for my skin. Three shades available for $35 @ sephora.com ~Randi

Who's On the Go?

Here’s a double-duty-er-er. Then again, I’m not too sure if it is. I mean, if it is a sunscreen, doesn’t it automatically mean it defies the aging process? I guess it is if it also contains anti-aging ingredients. Things that make you go hmmmm. INNOVATiVE SKiNCARE's iS Suncare SPF 20 Treatment Sunscreen Packets ($42 @ innovativeskincare.com) are single treatments to take with you on the go. I think the most important thing to remember is to apply your sunscreen about 15 minutes before you go out in the sun, as it has to absorb to protect. One of the anti-aging ingredients is powerful anti-oxidants and it has a new patented form of microfine zinc oxide (the white stuff lifeguards wear on their nose) that's totally transparent.
This also comes in the tube form and a version with a slight tint. Tuck a couple of these in your purse and then you’ll never forget to apply it.

Revive Your Skin

Need help controlling your normal to oily skin that’s on the sensitive side? ReVIVE SKINCARE’s Sensitif Oil-Free Lotion SPF 15 ($195 @ reviveskincare.com) to the rescue! It helps balance that T-zone and it contains their EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor), which speeds up the rate that skin cells regenerate. When we age, we all know that cell production decreases and this natural protein molecule claims to increase turnover. This EGF is made up of 53 amino acids that help neutralize free radicals and rejuvenate damaged skin. Pretty amazing concoction packed in a 2oz bottle.

For the Kid In All of Us

Here’s another green line for your enjoyment. TiNY TiLLiA is comprised of natural and hypoallergenic products for kids but I find a lot of use in them as an adult. Take the Boo Boo Gel Pack ($10/2oz) for example. Puffy eyes? Stick it in the freezer for a few to help de-swell them. Choose from six cuties like Duncan the Dog or Jac-Jac the Cat.
Need a no-spill sunscreen for your purse? Sun Stick SPF 30 ($8/.45oz) to the rescue. Both @ shoptillia.com

2 Hands With SPF

As we age, hands can look old and feel dry. Here’s two that will not only fight wrinkles but also product them from the sun.

PERLiER Hand Cream Intensive Age-Defying SPF 15 ($25/1.6oz @ perlier.com) from the Risarium Black Rice collection.
BARiELLE Ultra Soft Hand Cream SPF 15 ($20/6oz @ barielle.com)

Sun-Sational Sunscreen

Here's another Sun-Sational Sunscreen to add to the line-up...

You go? It goes. KORRES new Suncare Beauty Bag ($28.50 @ beauty.com) contains all the necessary face products for your busy life: Watermelon Sunscreen Face Cream SPF30 (1.69oz), Yoghurt After-Sun Cooling Gel (1.69oz), and Pomegranate Balancing Moisturizer SPF6 (.34oz). All tucked inside this easy to tote and sturdy zip-all-the-way-around fun orange bag.

Sun-Sational Sunscreen

Is there such a thing as gender bias sunscreen? A sunscreen that works better on males than females? Hmmm… I’d like to take a pole to see how many men wear sunscreen on a daily basis. Probably not that many but quite a few new men’s grooming lines are cropping up every year so there has to be a demand. From a line that's been around for a long time and will conquer your man’s sun issues is JACK BLACK's Sun Guard Oil-Free Very Water/Sweat Resistant Sunscreen SPF30 ($16/4oz @ beauty.com) from the Black Diamond Formula Sun Protection collection. It’s oil-free and like the name conveys, contains the new FDA approved sunscreen/anti-aging ingredient Parsol 1789, and made for very extreme conditions. I’m thinking Mohave dessert extreme. They claim the SPF will last 80 minutes after your mate has come out of the water. I would have loved to see that focus group experiment! So, like his deodorant and razor, I will be coveting this one too.

Sun-Sational Sunscreen

I know that Cybelesays is all about beauty and nothing else but to roll out a new summer feature, we just had to relay some startling info. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, skin cancer it is the most common form of the disease in the United States. After reading all the statisitcs, the one that I will remember and leave you to think about is the following from the National Cancer Institute -- “1 in 59 men and women will be diagnosed with melanoma during their lifetime.” Onto the new summer feature …

Each week Sun-Sational Sunscreen will select one that meets all the important factors like high UVA/UVB protection, sweatproof/waterproof, made for sensitive skin, for children, hair or targets specific areas etc. Here's our first picks:

Who thinks of lips when it comes to protecting them from the sun? Greece’s APiViTA did with their collection of Lip Aids ($7 @ apivita.com) from the Propoline collection. There are six balms and three contain an SPF 15 and lip skin nourishing ingredients like plant extracts, olive oil, essential oils and a base of cocoa butter.

Need some color with that protection? JUiCE BEAUTY Organic SPF 15 Tinted Lip Moisturizers ($15 @ juicebeauty.com). Each is tinted using minerals and certified organic emollient plant oils and botanicals keep lips soft and hydrated.

Sweat, Baby, Sweat

Who has time to worry about their skin when they are running around all weekend? Forget about it with SKiNCEUTiCALS new Sport UV Defense SPF 45 ($35/3oz @ skinceuticals.com). It protects your skin when you’re sweating from exercising or running from one sale to another. You know when you see Lifeguards on the beach with the white stuff on their noses so it doesn't burn? It's zinc-oxide and this one contains a transparent form of it as well as other protective ingredients. It even protects your skin while you're swimming! Now that's amazing.

Potent Protection

All smart gals know that going in the sun without protection is the ultimate no-no so check out ERNO LASZLO Total Face & Body Protection SPF 30. This lightweight cream provides powerful protection against the sun’s harmful rays and we all know that the sun is the leading cause of wrinkles. I’ve been wearing this everyday now for weeks and not only does it easily absorb into my skin quickly but it’s not one bit greasy. I also love that it contains soothing Shea butter which helps promote cell regeneration, and vitamin E, which helps to keep my skin feeling like silk. You can be sure this will be a beach bag staple because when I hit the sand, I will be applying and reapplying this during those times that I’m not in the shade. $42 @ neimanmarcus.com ~Randi

One Ofa-Kind Sunscreen

My friends call me the sunscreen queen because I never leave home without it on my face. The newest product on my list is MD SKiNCARE Powerful Sun Protection SPF30. In Texas where it’s sunny most of the year, you gotta have plenty of sunscreen on hand. This one is lightweight but packs a punch by including Chelators, which remove metals from the skin (found in tap water and perspiration) and can cause damage to the epidermis when exposed to the sun. This is the only sunscreen on the market to include this ingredient. Fabulous! $42/5oz @ sephora.com ~Lisa

Bronze Babe In A Box

This next kit is a really great way to try out a self tanner and you can’t beat the price. BATH AND BODYWORKS True Blue Spa Bronze Bombshell Collection ($16.50 @ bathandbodyworks.com) contains all the essentials:Glow and Steady Daily Moisturizer (1.5oz), Gradual Self Tanner SPF 15, my favorite, (1.5oz), So Aglow Tan Enhancing Shimmer (1oz), Tan on the Run Self Tanning Face Puff (one use), Suntan Boulevard for Face 2-in-1 Bronzing Sunblock SPF 20 (5ml) and even a Bronze Bomb Shell Eau de Toilette Roll-On (.05oz). Big recommendation.