Summer Skincare Q & A

Hello my lovely Beauty Mates! I hope all of you are enjoying all that has come along with summer. Here in Dana Point we started out with a bit of rain but it has brightened up and the beach is looking mighty inviting! With that in mind I decided to peel through some of the most-asked questions regarding summer skincare! Hopefully one of these will help you or somebody you know achieve that perfect summer look, while protecting their precious skin, of course! Enjoy.

Q & A With My Beauty Mates

Q: I understand that sunscreen is important, but it always seems to make me break out! What should I do?

A: The answer to this is quite simple! Look into oil free/fragrance free alternatives; that is what I use. I am a huge advocate of Image Skincare's Prevention+ Daily Matte Moisturizer. Other fabulous options include: Dermalogica's Oil Free Matte SPF30, COOLA Mineral Matte Face SPF30, and Eminence Organics Sun Defense Minerals.

Q: I notice that my hair feels super dry after going out in the sun, is this normal?

A: I am so glad this question came up! Many people don't realize that the sun can dry out and even damage your hair! Which is why I like to rock a good hat for longer days at the beach or by the pool. This will also help protect your face from the sun so its a win-win. Another great option is Saving Face Sun Cover, with lots of cute patterns to choose from. I always put Argan oil in my hair after a shower, and do touch-ups when my hair starts to feel dry.

Q: I always tell myself "I'm not going to wear makeup to the beach", but I honestly can't help myself. Any tips for how to pull this off?

A: Another question I am happy to answer. Makeup at the beach/pool is risky for two reasons. First, it can clog your pores. Second, it can melt and start to look tacky. SO, what I suggest is to keep it to a minimum. I like to recommend waterproof/water resistant mascaras, Blinc Eyeliner if you want a little extra drama, and a tinted moisturizer. No heavy foundations, no blush/bronzer. If you must use makeup stick to good mineral cosmetic brands like La Bella Donna, YoungBlood, Emani, and GloMinerals. As I mentioned before Eminece Organics Sun Defense Minerals are fabulous and they give you good coverage!

Q: Is it possible to go from Beach to Chic?

A: Summertime is tricky because a day in the heat can really leave you looking... er, less than your best. SO here is what I recommend for a quick pick me up: keep lip gloss handy, always have oil-blotting papers at your disposal, and if you really want a fresh faced look opt for makeup removing wipes. I personally recommend Eminence Organics Green Tea & Hemp Blotting Tissue, and Dermalogica's Skin Purifying Wipes. The most common complaint I get about going from day-to-night in summer is the "oily" feeling left behind from melted makeup, sweat, and sunscreen. Once the sun has set, you have my permission to go sans-SPF! Wipe it off.

Q: You have advocated Osmosis UV Protection Harmonized H2o a lot this past year. Does this product really give me SPF Protection?

A: ABSOLUTELY! My business is all about giving you products that have been tried and true by myself. However, whenever I speak of the harmonized water, I do advise my Beauty Mates to use this WITH their regular external sun block. I like to use this as added protection, because your activity levels and metabolism can play a role in how fast it wears off. It is really unpredictable, which is why I like having my physical sunblock to set my mind at ease. I have tested it without extra SPF for 1 hour in the sun and enjoyed a nice tan without the usual preliminary burn. Remember, sun burns aren't "pre-suntans", they are damaging to your skin in a way that is irreversible.

Q: What is your number 1 favorite summer anti-aging product?

A: Sunscreen all the way. People buy all of my favorite anti-aging creams and serums, but the truth is if you aren't wearing sunscreen, you are seriously hindering yourself. SO, this summer I want you to pay attention to how much sunscreen you wear, and how much time you spend in the sun. For a day in the office, I usually wear SPF30 and don't reapply until an hour-30 minutes before I leave. If I am out and about I make sure to reapply every 2-4 hours depending on how much sun exposure I am getting. Once you get into your summer habit it will be easy to carry it into Fall/Winter/Spring. This sun is just as strong during these seasons.