Have sensitive skin that gets irritated by sunscreens? Avoid so-called “chemical blockers” containing ingredients like Mexoryl, Parsol 1789, Helioplex, PABA and Oxybenzone, and instead pick a “physical blocker” sunscreen that relies on titanium dioxide or, even better, zinc oxide. Not only are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide effective against both UVA and UVB rays without irritating skin, they’re also considered safer by green watchgroups like the Skin Deep Cosmetics Database.
It’s time for the annual photo of my sun damage to freak you the hell out and remind you that, even if your skin looks clear and glowy at first glance, there are likely pigmentation issues lurking beneath!
Skin cancer in not only the most common form of cancer in the US–1 million new cases each year–but it’s also the most preventable. (I learned this from a press release sent my way today by Neutrogena. Thanks, guys!) Coincidentally, one of my two favorite sunscreens is made by Neutrogena: Ultra Sheer Dry Touch SPF 55. (The other? Fenix SPF 30 Rehydrating Sunscreen, which is totally the bomb and which I adore.)
This morning, I got to have breakfast with Leslie Blodgett, CEO of my favorite beauty company, Bare Escentuals. Leslie’s innovations in the world of mineral makeup are the reason Jolie is able to go out in public without schoolchildren shrieking in fright at her red, blotchy skin. (Okay, maybe this isn’t so much true anymore as my skin is behaving itself, but it certainly was the case a few years ago when I first discovered the miracles of Bare Minerals!)
Buxom Lash promises 12 hours of smudge-free mascara with no flakes–love it! Will it do my laundry, too?
At the Polo Lounge in the Beverly Hills Hotel, Leslie shared some of Bare Escentuals’ newest beauty innovations, including the paraben-free, lash plumping Buxom Lash Mascara, Bare Minerals SPF 30 Natural Sunscreen brush, and the amazing, shamefully underappreciated natural Rare Minerals line. (This line is especially excellent for women with problem and sensitive skin, including rosacea and eczema. I’m, personally, a huge fan of the Rare Minerals Skin Revival Treatment, which is very sleepover friendly, if you get my drift.)
Rare Minerals Skin Revival Treatment — rock star stuff! Bare Escentuals is coming out with some life-changing product innovations in the next few months, so brace yourself for the news soon. I am about to fall in love with this company all over again. Seriously. Get thee to Sephora and see what the hype is all about!
I gave Leslie a copy of my book, then was tickled pink to nab a photo with her
And here’s a video I made this morning, before heading off for breakfast, giving a quick tutorial on how to apply Bare Minerals! (Say it with me: swirl, tap, buff…and love.)
Neutrogena is partnering with me to give away 25 tubes of the brand-new Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock 85! If you haven’t tried their Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch line of sun protection, it’s amazingly addictive because—imagine that, a beauty product living up to its claims!—it sinks in immediately, doesn’t feel oily or greasy, and works fabulously under makeup or at the beach. The first 25 people to respond in the comments with your email address and your own favorite sunscreen will win! Good luck!
With more than a million skin cancer diagnoses per year–not to mention the fact that plenty of otherwise smart women (confession: even yours truly!) occasionally choose vanity over health in the form of a tan–raising awareness for skin cancer is crucial. Those gals who are like Jolie, with light eyes, Northern European heritage and naturally pale skin that burns easily, are particularly susceptible, so please, ladies, make sunscreen your best friend year-round! (My favorites: Obagi Nu Derm Healthy Skin Protection SPF 35, Blue Lizard Face SPF 30, DDF Organic Sun Protection SPF 30, and Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch sunblock–more on that later!)
I interviewed Malin Akermann, who starred in 27 Dresses and The Heartbreak Kid, about her participation in the Neutrogena Partnership for Skin Health viral video (check it out here.) Her answers, below!
Q: So, why did you get involved in the Neutrogena campaign to raise skin cancer awareness?
A: This video and message is something I have a passion for because I understand the importance of checking your skin for suspicious moles. I recently had a suspicious mole removed on my face; I noticed it was changing shape and asked my dermatologist to examine it. I was one of the luckier ones.
