Favorite Sunscreens

Since it is summer and given that I'm in a skincare kick I thought I would do a post on sunscreens and perhaps get some feedback on what works for the readers out there. I'm in the sun allot these days; I run outdoors 4 times a week, I go sailing (going tonight actually) and we occasionally hit up the "beach" here in Chicago. For me, finding a good sunscreen is like trying to find the perfect pair of jeans... in general my biggest issues with sunscreens are 1). they make me break out, 2) my face gets really oily, 3) depending on the sunscreen I get a white cast, 4). or the sunscreen doesn't offer enough protection. I have tried many sunscreen brands, from low end to high end, and I have come to realize that yes, sometimes you get what you pay for but sometimes drug store brands really will give you a lovely surprise. Here are my favs:

Low End: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Liquid Sunblock is my favorite drugstore brand. It goes on very sheer, it absorbs quickly, and works well under makeup. It's a great bargain for $14. Cons: It does smell like your average sunscreen which I hate and I do get a greasy feel on my face. So, I usually use this sunscreen on my chest, shoulders, and the tops of my hands when I go out running.

Mid End: Anthelios XL Fluide Extreme Face SPF 50+: This stuff is great but I'm kicking myself for not buying it in bulk when we were in Paris because it's double the price here in the States ($35). Also, the European version is much better than the American formulation. It has all the positives of Neutrogena and it has a high PPD, it's lightweight, non greasy and it leaves a nice matte finish. It comes highly recommended by Dermatologists, especially for skin cancer patients. Cons: it doesn't come off as easy as other sunscreens.

High End: Dior Capture Totale UV Protect SPF 35: I love this sunscreen but the price tag ($52) kills me! Granted, it doesn't offer the same level of protection of Anthelios (that's my heavy hitter sunscreen) but for the face it's absolutely perfect (well my foundation and powders come with SPF so I have several layers of protection). It has a beautiful smell, doesn't streak and it doesn't make me break out at all. It's sheer, lightweight, doesn't ball up under make-up and it leaves a matte finish. It has all the pluses of Anthelios except it only comes in SPF 35 and it lacks Mexoryl. I only use this on my face and neck because it's so dammed expensive.

For me it's not just about protecting my face from wrinkles. My dad went through a bout of skin cancer several years ago and it put the fear of God in me to protect my skin at all costs. I would love to hear what works for you!

Fountain of Youth

Holy shine batman! Someone get me some face blotters ASAP. Here I am with Jack on my b-day. Jack is truly happy inside, he's just not smiling because he thinks he smiles goofy. I disagree.

I'm still in my 20's but barely. My attitude on aging has changed just a bit... I have to admit that I have become obsessed with sunscreen and I'm using anti-aging creams like it's my lifeline (yes, I even use them on my laugh lines). I can't stop the clock, nor am I freaked out about getting older but dammit I can try to look the best I can! According to my mom, looking good only involves the following (here is her fountain of youth recipe in no particular order):

-anti-aging creams
-exercise
-lots of good quality sex
-a good nights sleep
-laughter

She looks amazing for being almost 60 (sorry Mom- I divulged your age) so I think she is on to something.

Anyway, my parents sent me flowers (roses of course!) and I got a beautiful bouquet of hydrangeas and peonies from Jack. He left work early and commuted across the ctiy picking up some of my favorite things (cupcakes, flowers, chocolates, Colombian food) and surprised me at home. He is so incredibly thoughtful! Later that evening we went to Frontera Grill, my favorite restaurant in Chicago. Ever heard of Rick Bayless? Top Chef Masters? It's his baby and his food is amazing. You have to make reservations months in advance but boy is it worth it. It was a great birthday and my entire family made me feel very special indeed.

Father's Day

My first bouquet of flowers wasn't from a teenage lovestruck beau or Jack for that matter. It was from my Dad many, many years ago on the day that I was born. He brought in a giant bouquet of pale pink roses for his little girl and to this day I still get roses from him on my birthday. Only my Dad can gift me roses (I'm a bit territorial with my Dad that way). The rose is the birth flower for the month of June and pale pink roses symbolize gentility, femininity, elegance, refinement, admiration and happiness. He set the tone for all the things I wanted to live up to in life from the minute I opened my eyes to the world.

It's that kind of thoughtfulness and gentleness that makes my Dad a wonderful father. I always...always.... get inspired to be a better person, to take better care of myself, to reach my potential when I am around my Dad. He has that go get em attitude that is infectious to be around and he sets the bar high for himself and for those around him. He still wants to hold my hand despite the fact that his girls are all grown up. He loves to belt out opera tunes in the kitchen and still manages to beat his kids at backgammon and tennis. He is a man of many gifts and always gives everything he tries his best shot.

When I was little he seemed like a great big cuddly giant...which he still is. But he is also a man with a giant heart and intellect; a man of character who exudes honesty, integrity and kindness. He is my everyday hero and the best father a girl could ask for.

I love you Dad and happy father's day!

I want..

Um... yeah. I want those sunglasses and that shade of lipstick (although I don't know if coral will look good on me but it's worth a shot). Jcrew slays me with their advertising. Check out moodboard for some more Jcrew goodies.

My weekend will be filled watching the world cup, some light shopping/going to the bookstore and if the weather cooperates we might go to the park for some sun and picnic fun. Ok- I'm off to a session of pilates and a late afternoon run with Jack. I hope you have a great weekend and don't forget Father's Day!!!

LBD

The Kate Spade Sample Sale is in full force guys! I have been lusting after this pretty black number since last year...no joke. I just couldn't justify paying almost $400 for it and it never went down enough for me to feel ok buying it. Well, it's on sale right now for $129!! It fits like a dream- it is the most flattering black dress I own. Very Audrey Hepburnesque. It runs a little big in case you are thinking of buying it. Here's a detail shot of my favorite part of the dress... the neckline.

Pearls, red nails....perfection. I would wear this dress with these heels (that is if I can manage to walk in them!)

Pretty Lockets

I recently came across these lockets and I think they are absolutely gorgeous. I wee bit out of my price range (cough, ok- by allot) but I thought I'd post them because they are so beautiful. I love the idea of having a pretty locket on a nice long chain with miniature portraits of my loved ones safely locked away inside. Thomas Sully does some amazing work...his miniatures are absolutely exquisite. Lockets are from Doyle & Doyle, Three Graces and 1stdibs.

Affordable Goodies

Arn't these Eugenia Kim for Target hats great?!? If it weren't for my gigantic sized head I would buy these in a heartbeat. They are sold out online but you may still find them at one of your local Target stores. Price is between $14-$25 bucks!

I'm always on the lookout for some pretty shoes that don't break the bank. I gotta say I'm kicking myself for not discovering the Lela Rose line at Payless sooner. These Layla Rose flats are only $29.99! So pretty. They also come in silver.

It's raining babies!

Jack and I recently took a trip to Portland/Seattle (well, I was sent on a work conference and I invited Jack along) and we got a chance to see Jack's best friend's beautiful baby boy Russell. Isn't he adorable? Here he is giving me the stink eye (oh, and yes I have bangs now. I can't style them to save my life!)

Nothing like a good tickle to get baby Russell to laugh:) He also likes goofy faces. And if he really likes you he'll give you a good head butt (nose is still smarting..yikes!)

Speaking of babies....my lovely internet buddy Lindsay is expecting! We met on the knot and her wedding was such an inspiration when I was planning from afar. I have loved following her journey post-wedding and now into parenthood! Exciting times:)

P.S. Lindsay- I'm glad you liked the chocolates!!