Spring and Summer Staple SPF Products and my SPF Routine: Herpecin L and More!

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Spring and Summer Staple SPF Products and my SPF Routine with Herpecin L and more:

While we need SPF year-round, the Spring and Summer seasons are a great time to check in and evaluate your personal sunscreen routine. The sun's rays are damaging year-round. Not only can you burn from the sun, but also the sun can cause skin cancer, skin damage, discoloration, and can accelerate the signs of aging. So, we all need SPF protection every day. Not only do we need to apply SPF in the mornings, but re-application throughout the day is necessary, too. This is where I have fallen short in my SPF routine in the past. This is my focus now and moving forward. I need creative ways to reapply sunscreen throughout the day (and especially when I am in direct sun). 

For this particular post, I am going to focus on the Sunscreens that I apply to my face and neck/chest (I will save my body sunscreens for a future post). I like to use a variety of SPFs throughout the day. So, lets start chatting about my SPF routine!

To start off the day, I make sure to apply a full and generous layer of SPF to my face as well as my chest/neck area (like I mentioned, I do apply to my whole body, but the body products will be in another post). I even include areas like my ears, lips, and eyelids. These are areas that I have unintentionally skipped in the past, but I am certainly including now. 

For facial sunscreens, I prefer to use physical sunscreens (non-chemical active sunscreen ingredients). My favorite physical sunscreen ingredient combo is Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. I like this combo as it works the best on my sensitive skin. The downside to this physical sunscreen combo is that it has a white cast when applied. However, my skin is *so fair* that a white cast is honestly not that noticeable on me. Physical sunscreens are also great because they do not degrade as quickly. So, they offer fantastic protection against those damaging rays of the sun. Right now I am loving the MyChelle Dermacuticals Sun Shield Unscented SPF 28. Typically, SPF 30 is best, but SPF 28 is pretty darn close. I do tend to switch around with my facial SPF, but stick generally within the physical sunscreen category. I also love Neutrogena's Sheer Zinc and my previous Holy Grail tinted SPF from Belli was just discontinued (so sad!!!). However, there are tons of great ones out there and I am curious to explore more options. 

I apply my first layer of facial SPF in the mornings as the final step in my skincare routine. After I get a good base layer of SPF, I like to add in a tinted sunscreen or BB/CC Cream for added protection. Right now I am really loving Pevonia's NEW YouthRenew Tinted Cream SPF 30. This product gives nice skin protecting coverage plus is enriched with other skin-loving ingredients. It comes in a universal shade which just happens to blend in with my skintone seamlessly (not sure how it would blend with darker tones as I am very fair). 

It is so important to not neglect your neck and chest/decolletage area! That area gets just as much sun exposure as your face. Plus, I use skincare actives on my neck and chest which makes it more susceptible to sun damage. So, I like to apply RoC's Multi Correxion 5-in-1 Chest, Neck, and Face Cream with SPF 30. I apply this generously and just love how it sinks in and protects. Granted, I could just apply my facial sunscreen on my neck and chest. However, I like physicaly suncreens on my face but am fine with chemical or mixed sunscreens on my chest and neck area and this one works great and gives no white cast. 

Next, I make sure to apply a generous layer of Herpecin L on my lips. I just adore this lip treatment!!! Not only is it a fabulous lip moisturizer, but also it has SPF 30 protection (which is honestly hard to find in a lip balm...most just have SPF 15 which I feel is honestly not enough protection) and it has ingredients to combat cold sores. I don't personally suffer from cold sores. However, if you do, it is fantastic to get a cold sore treatment, lip balm, and lip sunscreen in one product! Fact: Did you know that 50-80% US adults have oral herpes? Yes, it is actually very common. So, I am hoping that this post helps to de-stigmatize having oral herpes as it is so common. Herpecin L is very reasonably priced and easily available at your local Walmart store. Herpecin L is safe and effective to use every day and throughout the day to help relieve and protect painful cracking of lips while also promoting healing without numbing nor drying. Herpecin L is uniquely formulated with dimethicone for protection, and sunscreens to help guard against the sun's harmful rays.

I reapply the Herpecin L very frequently throughout the day. Lips are very prone to skin cancer, sunburns, and general dryness. Lips really need more application than any other body part because of natural licking of lips throughout the day, eating, and drinking. So, the SPF protection that you apply is constantly being taken off. So, just keep re-applying! I keep an extra Herepcin L in my purse for touch ups and reapplication. I always apply before going outside and when on-the-go. I just love this stuff!!!

For sunscreen reapplication throughout the day, the best bet is really to just apply another layer of your sunscreen. If I am in the yard most of the day or at the pool, then that is exactly what I do. Also, I always try to seek shade and if I am getting a lot of exposure while outside I wear a hat or wear sun protective clothing as well. 

On days where I have minimal sun exposure, my reapplication is a bit different. I recently discovered two fantastic products that are perfect for layering over your previously applied sunscreens and makeup. The first one that I want to talk about is Jane Iredale's Powder Me SPF Dry Sunscreen. This product is fantastic!!! I use the shade translucent, but it is also available in 2 other shades (3 shades total). I believe that this is a SPF 30. However, I wouldn't rely on it as my only sunscreen as you would have to apply it so thick...but, as a supplimental sunscreen it is perfect! Plus, it is so nice to just be able to pat it over your previous sunscreen and makeup without disrupting your carefully applied makeup. It is also fantastic to apply to your hair part if you need extra protection there! 

Another fantastic option for reapplication is the SeriouslyFab Zinc it Over Sheer Sunscreen Facial Mist. This sheer mist is perfecting for misting over your makeup to set makeup and to add an additional layer of SPF protection throughout the day (without messing up your makeup!). The formula is Cruelty Free, Natural, Vegan and Safe with No Chemicals. The formula includes Non-Nano Zinc Oxide. It is available regular and non-scented. I love the sheer extra protection that I get from this product and the nice glowy finish it gives to my makeup!

I hope you got some good ideas for products and tips after reading my Sunscreen routine and tips for reapplying throughout the day! I know that key products like Herpecin L give me the great SPF protection that I need every day while also keeping my lips moisturized, smoothed, and protected. Reapplying SPF to my face, neck, and chest throughout the day really ups my sun protection while keeping my skin nicely hydrated. I am thrilled with my SPF routine! I would love to hear about yours, too! 

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On-the-Go Beauty Favorites: What is in my Handbag? Sol Janeiro, Herpecin, Pixi Beauty, and more!

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This post has been sponsored by the PRIMP Network.
All opinions are my own.

On-the-Go Beauty Favorites: What is in my Handbag? 

Are you like me? Do you always feel that you are on-the-go and limited for time? While I do apply makeup daily, the amount varies depending on how much time I have to get ready. Some days, it is just simply my skincare routine plus a little concealer. So, I like to have some beauty basics with me at all times so that I can create a put-together look even when on the go. 

Besides makeup, I like carrying other beauty favorites with me. My on-the-go time is actually a great time to indulge in some beauty treats like nice hand creams and moisturizing cuticle treatments. Seriously! What better thing to do when in carpool line than moisturize those cuticles, lol! I have honestly made a habit out of reapplying a moisturizing lip balm like HerpecinL HL 30 while in the car. The more I use this super hydrating and soothing lipbalm, the better it works. Plus, getting an extra dose of SPF 30 is essential when on-the-go. We must protect from the sun!

So, my current handbag's makeup bag is full of on-the-go beauty goodies: products for moisture, products for makeup touch-up, and items to cleanse, and much more. Let's dig through my bag one item at a time so I can give you the full scoop!

What is in My Handbag? On-the-Go Beauty Favorites:

• Jane Iredale | Powder-Me SPF 30 Dry Sunscreen: Powder-Me SPF is a nourishing, easy to use skin protectant that contains titanium dioxide and natural clay to shield against redness and provide light coverage (so you can skip foundation). Added bonus – it's water resistant up to 40 minutes! I like keeping this in my handbag as I can layer on more coverage and SPF throughout the day. This has a cool sponge applicator and the product puffs up into the applicator and you can apply by dabbing your face with the puff. 

• Sol Janeiro | Brazilian Touch Hand Cream: As ya'll know, I am obcessed with Sol Janeiro's Brazilian Bum Bum cream. So, you know I am all over this new launch! Skin-loving ingredients like Cupuaçu Butter, Açaí, Coconut Oil and Brazil Nut provide a silky layer of nourishment and conditioning while the famous Bum Bum scent leaves you smelling delicious. For you guys that are not familiar with Sol Janeiro, the signature scent is a combination of salted caramel and pistachio fragrance. OMG, it smells sooooo good! 

• Summer's Eve | SIMPLY Mandarin Blossom Cleansing Cloth: My days are long. So, I like to be able to freshen up mid-day if I need to. These cleansing wipes are super gentle and I am really liking the new assortment of Summer's Eve fragrances like the Mandarin Blossom and the Coconut scents. Summer's Eve's new line of feminine cleansers and cloths are free from harsh chemicals, dyes, alcohol and parabens – so you can feel good about what you are putting on your body! Plus, I like that they are infused with botanical extracts. 

• Herpecin L | HL 30 Cold Sore Lip Balm Stick: Herpecin L is one of my favorite lip products! Herpecin L can be used year round and it is not just for cold sores. I don't even get cold sores, I just use this amazing balm for its super moisturizing and protecting properties!  It is more hydrating than my standard lip balms. It feels super soothing going on and it leaves my lips feeling super soft and comfortable. Plus, it is perfect for on-the-go application as it contains SPF. So, you are getting that sun protection in as well. 

• Neutrogena | Deep Clean Blotting Sheets: I always carry blotting sheets with me. My skin is combination with some slightly oily areas in the t-zone. Blotting mid-day helps to take down the shine and removes excess oil. These Deep Clean sheets are nice as they won't distrupt your makeup...just pat, pat, pat, and you are done! 

• Burt's Bees | Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream: I have literally been using this product for years...it is one of my longest standing product favorites! I believe I discovered it back in college. Over the years I have tried other cuticle creams, but always come back to this one. It is the best. The lemon scent is just so refreshing and "clean" for your hands. Consistant use of this keeps my cuticles in shape. Plus, I love the slim cute tin...perfect for a handbag! 

• Mont Bleu | Glass File with Crystals : I have an assortment of these Mont Blue crystal glass nail files from Czech Republic. I put the smallest one in my handbag for on-the-go nail maintenance. I prefer glass files as they are super gentle to your nails...and, with good care, they last forever! 

• essence | shine shine shine wet look lipgloss: I like keeping lipgloss in my handbag in nude and pink shades for quick and easy touch ups. I really love the fun and trendy lipglosses from essence. Right now I have shade #07 Happiness in a Bottle in my handbag. So pretty!

• jordana | Modern Matte Lipstick: Yes, I am on board with the matte lipstick trend...especially with nudes. I don't know what it is, but I am obcessed with pink nude lips lately and love the look and feel of this #16 Matte Divine shade from Jordana. Plus, super affordable!

• Neutrogena | Hydro Boost Concealer: I have the worlds worst dark under eye circles. Concealer is my best friend, lol! I certainly do not leave the house without concealer. Otherwise everyone would ask me if I was tired or sick all day because of my under eye darkness. So, even though I apply concealer at home, I like to have one on hand in my purse for touch ups if needed. I like this one for touch ups as the coverage is light and hydrating. I wear the shade Fair. 

• Pixi Beauty | Endless Silky Eye Pen: Pixi Beauty makes the best eyeliners! These glide on effortlessly and lay down impressive color. Plus, these eyeliners are smudgeproof and I believe waterproof, too! I like carrying around this matte nude shade as it looks so good in the waterline. It makes me look more awake and brightens my eyes. 

So, those are some of my favorite products living in my handbag right now! I would love to hear about what you have in your bag. Or, if some of these are your favorites, too...let me know your thoughts!

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New Makeup for the New Year: Avon's True Color Balms

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Happy 2017! Freshening up your makeup routine is a great way to jump into the New Year with a pretty new look. I like to take re-evaluate my makeup collection this time of year. It is time to sort through the old, downsize, and then add new items. Lip products are a category that I clean out more frequently as I feel that lip items expire quicker than powder formulas. So, I am super excited to add new items in! 

Avon has a fantastic range of tinted lip balms: Avon's True Color Balms. These balms provide moisture as well as a beautiful pop of color. I was able to try out the full shade range and really like them all! Shades include: Cherry Kiss, Pink Pucker, Coral Crush, Plum Passion, Peach Pout.

Pucker up and experience the comfort of 4x the hydration with Avon True Color Lip Balm. Formulated with mega-moisturizing Vitamin E to instantly hydrate and nourish lips, this next-generation tinted balm provides lightweight, buildable color that’s never waxy, sticky, gritty, or drying. Available in five on-trend shades – from barely-there pink to deep plum – this breakthrough balm leaves lips silky and buttery soft while improving the overall condition of your pout.

The Avon True Color balms have a moist and creamy feel while giving buildable light to medium color. These really feel nice on the lips and give such a pretty pop of color. The best part? These are so affordable! They retail for $4.00, but right now are $2.99 on avon.com! 

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EOS Lipbalms: Cute giftset (review!)

evolution of smooth (eos) Lip balms

Don't you love stumbling across unexpectedly cute things while on a random trip to the drugstore!!! This cute little set literally "jumped out at me" while I was waiting at the beauty counter to checkout. I have been wanting to try the eos balms for quite some time and figured this gift set was the way to do it! 3 cute lip balms and an *adorable* case. This is great because I can keep one balm in my purse, one by my bedside, and one on my desk at work. :)

My lips get so dry in the colder weather so this is a *perfect* time to test out new lip balms. So, for the purposes of this review. I have used *only* eos balms for moisture this past week.

In the gift set:

• Honeysuckle Honeydew: (light green container) This is my fave scent/flavor of the group! It really does smell like Honeydew melon (which I love). :) 
• Lemon Drop (the only one with SPF 15): Smells of lemon (hence the name), love that this one includes an SPF 15, wish they all did! This is the one I keep in my purse because of the SPF 15. 
• Summer Fruit: Not that crazy about the scent of this one (reminds me of cough syrup!), but that's just me! :) 

Cosmetic Case: The case has a "summery" feel and would be a great addition to any pool bag! I am thinking that this will become my new makeup case for my purse as I love makeup bags that you can see through. When I grab my cosmetics bag from my purse, I am usually in some sort of "hurry" to reapply and I just think that a see-through case minimizes the digging you do to find your desired product.

The low-down:

• Totally cute and unique packaging. I have honestly never tried a balm quite like this!

• Unique size and shape make it easy to find in your purse. And, it looks cute sitting out on your counter or nightstand. :)

• Love the "soft" texture of the container. Its that "fuzzy" plastic feel. :) Hard to describe (does that make sense)...kinda like the NARS soft packaging. 

• After using these exclusively (no other lip balms used) for over a week, I must say, my lips are in great condition! The only other product that I used before starting this "test" was LUSH's Bubblegum Sugar Scrub (which really prepped my lips well for this test).

• Somewhat hard balm. It warms a bit as you rub it into your lips.

• Waxy, yet moisturizing base makes it the *ideal* prep for lipstick/liner/gloss. I had been using Smith's Rosebud Salve to prep my lips for makeup. But, I think that was almost too moisturizing and color would not last as long. I feel the EOS works much better as a "base" for your lip color!

• Because of the cute shape and flavor/scent of this lip balm, I actually felt myself "wanting" to apply it more!

• These  would make a great gift/stocking stuffer!

• Petroleum and Paraban free

Verdict: I *LOVE* these cute little balms! I will totally repurchase these! :)

Hope you enjoyed reading!

XOXO!
Pammy

Coming Soon:
-November Favorites
-Redken: Blond Glam Review