WHO, WHAT, SPF??

                Hey Lovelies!! Sorry I haven’t posted in such a long time!! But today I am back and ready!! It is getting hotter and many of you are ready to go out in the sun, but, I decided to let you know some facts and that important SPF and some great sunscreens!! So let’s begin!!

                There are so many sunscreens out in the market. Some say they will defend against sun damage, others premature aging and others waterproof, and then you have the tanning lotions. What was the difference between sun block and sunscreen?? What is UVA/UVB and broad-spectrum?? Waterproof versus water resistant? The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) passed a law that ensured new and improved packaging coming out this year! You will only see water resistant for solutions that last up to 40 – 80 minutes. Broad spectrum on solutions that live up to the highest protection levels of UVA/UVB sunrays. UVA are the rays that age skin, while UVB are the rays that burn skin. Any solution that doesn’t meet the broad-spectrum level will be called UVA/UVB protection.  Always look for broad-spectrum! Anything under SPF 15 will have labels that indicate a risk for skin cancer. Skin cancer is rising in the USA and is the most common cancer in the USA. You should be using at least SPF 45 every time you are in the sun! JUST REMEMBER, you can still get a tan with SPF 50, and it will be the safe way too!!

Here are some great sunscreens:

Dry or Sensitive Skin: Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 ($10): The oatmeal is great for dry and sensitive skin because it will sooth the skin while still being hydrating, nourishing, and the biggest thing of all, protecting your skin from the sun!! It soaks into the skin fast and is not oily as an added plus!!

If you burn easily: Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 70 ($11): it is a light creamy formula, that doesn’t smell bad (like all of these sunscreens I am showing you). You do need to reapply it (like all the other sunscreens) but it gives a very good protection, and you will still get a tan!! Does come in spray form!! Water resistant for 80 minutes.

Bronze Glow: Australian Gold Sheer Coverage Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Spray ($12): Bronzing oil, with SPF 50!! Like who doesn’t want this!! It gives a bronzy glow and does everything tanning oil does, but without the harmful part!! Water resistant for 80 minutes.

Non Aerosol Spray: Alba Botanica Very Emollient Sunscreen Sport Spray SPF 40 ($11): It does need to be rubbed in but does get sprayed evenly on the skin!! Water resistant for 80 minutes.

Sunscreen/Antioxidants: Dr. T's Supergoop Continuous Mist Broad Spectrum SPF 30 ($19): The sunscreen has antioxidant vitamin C which helps to brighten skin. Natural citrus oils make this sunscreen smell oh so fresh!! Water resistant for 80 minutes.

Water Sports: Nature's Gate Aqua Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Aqua Sunscreen ($7): This sunscreen was designed for water sports. It is the thickest consistency and has a mixture of zinc oxide and chemical sunscreen ingredients for that super SPF 50. Shea butter, chamomile, and rosemary give it hydration effects. This is perfect for any person that stays in the sun and water for a long time! Water resistant for 80 minutes.

                You should be able to find most of these sunscreens in the drugstore!! I hope you liked this post and I will be getting back on track with the blog posting, starting now!! Have a great day!!

-          AM

How I Curl My Hair: Everyday Curly Hair!!

Hey Lovelies!! So I haven't posted a new blog post in such a long time and I am so sorry for that; I have been in love with curling my hair for an everyday look so I decided why don't I show you how to do it also!! I like to use a regular curling iron to get looser and more "natural" curls, when using a wand I seem to get more tighter curls which I don't prefer for an everyday look!! I love the Conair Instant Heat 1 inch Curling Iron. I got it from Target last year and it is still going strong. I personally think Conair curling irons are great, I have another one that is 1/2 in and that also works great!! I think the 1 in just makes amazing curls!!

Before I curl my hair I always use heat protectant, I use the Tresemme Heat Tamer Spray, it works with all heat products but I primarily use it for just curling my hair. If I do straighten it I will use the John Frieda Straight Heat Protectant. It is really important to use a heat protectant, it is essential to shield it from over heating and damaging or breaking the hair. I like to flip my head over and spray this on the front and back of my hair then brush it through with a wide toothed comb to distribute it all over my hair evenly.

When I curl my hair I split my hair into 2 parts, from the top of the ear and up; I first work with the bottom section. I like to wrap the hair around the curling iron away from my face. I keep the hair smooth on the surface of the iron, if you keep it like bunched up it will come out with a different curl. I like to keep my ends out of the curl so I don't damage them and get split ends.

I hold it for 10 - 20 seconds, on 9 which is probably 200 - 250 degrees.

After I am done I like to drop the curl into my palm and hold it there for 5 seconds while it curls off.



Usually I don't like to put any product on my hair after I curl it but if I did I would put a pea size amount of the John Frieda Secret Weapon Finishing Creme. I scrunch it into my hair and it just tames frizz and adds some more curl and shine. I would also spray some Big Sexy Hair Spray and Play Volumizing Hair Spray to add volume and keep the curl all throughout the day. I also like to scrunch this after spraying to add more of a curl.



First picture is when it is completely done (without hairspray and finishing creme). I flip my hair over and shake it a little and this is the complete finished look in the second picture. Now I am completely done!! You can add a braid, twist, clip or any hair accessory to add more glam!!

Thanks!! Hope you try this out!! If you do, send me a picture on twitter!! https://twitter.com/FashionForwardA

- AM

Have a great day!! Do you have any techniques or products you love to use for curling your hair, let me know in the comments!! 

Say What: Lemon Water

I drink alot of water every day, and just drinking plain water gets boring, I have done my research and learned a great tip about lemons!! Not only do they add flavor to your boring water but they have amazing benefits also!!

1.      Lemons have a lot of Vitamin C, antioxidants, and Citric Acid which help boost your immune system, and increases collagen for smooth glowing skin!

2.      Lemons will actually reduce hunger and it is also amazing for detoxifying your body which will get all the toxins out and keeping all the good stuff in! Also it is great for digestion!

3.      Research has shown that it will actually keep you more alert, which is a plus for those Monday mornings in class where you’re just too tired to pay attention!

I like to put a lemon slice in my water every morning and just drink it while I get ready in the morning, which will keep me hydrated for the day! Fun fact: when you wake up you are actually dehydrated since over night you have not drank any fluids so drinking water right when you wake up will help, like I said, in hydration! Finally, water can also clear your skin, so say bye bye to breakouts!

Hope you drink a lot of lemon water today! Thanks and come back for more!

- AM
http://twitter.com/FashionForwardA