Beauty, girl talk, girls, Life, Parenting, Travel, women

Why I went to Physical Sunscreen

May 17, 2017

Go to a dermatologist or any beauty expert and you won’t be walking out without them hysterically telling you how important sun protection is. I’m no expert, but I’m not any different either: Use it daily! Apply it EVERYWHERE. No, your make up is not enough.

I used to apply sunscreen (chemical, broad spectrum) on clean skin before applying any other skin/make up products. *I DO NOT DO THIS ANYMORE* Not because it was ineffective by any means, but I now use a physical sunscreen. My face routine is now: serum/face cream, physical sunscreen, and then bb cream. What is physical sunscreen? Well, there’s no real definition for it. It essentially means that the zinc oxide and titanium dioxide physically block the UV rays from getting to the skin. Chemical, on the other hand, uses chemicals to either absorb or scatter the UV rays.

Why the change? After doing a lot of research that came after talking to my intelligent esthetician (who sadly moved to Texas) I have enlisted to prevent any pigmentation. Hence, I now use physical sunscreen on my face/neck/chest every single day! To prevent burning. To stop sun damage. Premature ageing. And halt that mean, pigmentation, in its tracks. Physical sunscreen also allows me to forget about constantly reapplying it (unless I wet my face or sweat profusely) which is the tricky part with chemical sunscreens and make up! I will often use a BB cream or foundation with chemical sunscreens on top of this, that is to say, I am not making a stand against them, but for my primary sun protection on the face and chest? Physical sunscreen.

Let’s get one thing straight though, no matter what you are using or decide to use it is SO important to use that sunscreen on a daily basis – especially since we live in the kind of ridiculous country that insists on having extreme UV. Also because without it we burn, and get skin cancer, and our immune system suffers and our beautiful skin becomes lined and spotted. Yes, we should get about 15 minutes (depending on the time of year/UV strength/your skin) of sun exposure per day for Vitamin D and general happiness, as many miserable Chicagoans will attest to in the winter. The best way to get it and not soil your lovely skin is to expose the arms, in my opinion.

~Your Beauty Chick ~ Neema

Chick Picks:

Great on-the-go sunscreen for your pursue – AND KID FRIENDLY! (This goes directly on my 18 month old daughter when we play out in the sun)

Doubles as a moisturizer – Lightweight and lovely.

Quite the superstar in the physical sunscreen world, being one of, if not the only spray versions.

My all time favorite, go-to sunscreen. Have been using it daily for 6 months now!

Beauty, Collaborations, Fashion

Tips for Choosing The Right Foundation

May 14, 2024

Hey there, Chicks! Today, let’s dive into one of the most crucial steps in our makeup routine: finding the perfect foundation match. As we age, our skin evolves, and so do our needs when it comes to makeup. So, whether you’re dealing with fine lines and wrinkles or just looking to achieve that flawless finish, I’ve got you covered with some savvy tips to ensure you’re picking the right foundation every time.

Know Your Skin Type: Understanding your skin type is key to selecting the right foundation. Is your skin oily, dry, combination, or normal? Different formulas work better for different skin types. For instance, if you have oily skin, opt for oil-free or matte foundations to control shine. Dry skin? Look for hydrating or luminous formulas to add moisture and glow. I have normal skin; sometimes it is dry, and sometimes it is oily. My go-to moisturizer with SPF works for me all year long; shop it here. For my chicks with drier skin, use a hydrating spray, I keep the small bottles everywhere, in my car, makeup bag, and travel bag!
Identify Your Undertone: This is a game-changer! Undertones come in three main categories: warm, cool, and neutral. Knowing yours can help you choose a foundation that blends seamlessly with your skin. Quick tip: Check the veins on your wrist. If they appear greenish, you likely have warm undertones. If they appear bluish, you’re more on the cool side. If you can’t really tell, you might have neutral undertones. For a lighter foundation finish, try my new favorite tinted balm.

Test, Test, Test: Never underestimate the power of testing foundation before purchasing. Swipe a few shades in natural light along your jawline (not just your wrist!). The right shade should disappear seamlessly into your skin. Don’t be afraid to ask for samples to try out in different lighting throughout the day. This is where shopping online is hard, take a few minutes to go into the store to try and test.
Consider Coverage and Finish: Foundations come in various coverages, from sheer to full. Consider what level of coverage you prefer and what your skin needs. As for the finish, options range from matte to dewy. If you have mature skin, you might want to lean towards hydrating or satin finishes to avoid accentuating fine lines. The older I get, the lighter my coverage gets. Check out my current foundation favorites.
Don’t Forget SPF: Sun protection is non-negotiable! Opt for a foundation with added SPF to shield your skin from harmful UV rays. While this isn’t a substitute for dedicated sunscreen, it’s an extra layer of defense, especially if you wear makeup daily.
Adapt with the Seasons: Your skin tone can change throughout the year, so don’t be surprised if you need to switch shades with the seasons. Consider having a lighter shade for winter when your skin may be paler and a slightly darker one for summer when you have a bit more color.

Remember, the perfect foundation should enhance your natural beauty, not mask it. So, take your time, experiment, and embrace your unique glow! With these tips, you’re on your way to flawless, fabulous skin. Stay beautiful, inside and out!

See more beauty posts here.

Your Chick,

Rina

Fashion, Lifestyle

SPF 30, 50, 80…What does it all mean?

August 23, 2019

Ahhhh, the summer heat is upon us and Lake Sinclair is looking like the perfect getaway! Nothing beats when the sun hits your skin and the breeze tosses your hair. But to keep comfortable in this kind of heat, we all need to take some precaution with helpful skin care designed for #LakeLife.

Taking care of your skin does not have to come with an expensive price tag. We have great drugstore brands that you can scoop up anywhere as long as you know the key ingredients you are looking for.

Understanding SPF

Waterproof, sweatproof, UVB, UVA, SPF 30, 50, or 100, what does it all mean? I asked several people to explain this to me and I was alarmed how many people don’t exactly understand what it all means!

SPF stands for ‘sun protection factor’ and is designed specifically to protect against ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. UVB is what causes sunburn. Suppose that your skin would normally start to burn after 10 minutes without any protection — with SPF 30, you would get 30 TIMES the protection…that’s 300 minutes (10min x 30 SPF)!

BUT the Center for Disease Control (CDC) warns that reapplying sunscreen does NOT reset the clock, it just provides continuity of the existing protection. So using the example above, if you go for a swim about an hour (60 minutes) after applying your SPF 30 sunscreen, then you need to re-apply and will still only get the remaining 240 minutes of protection.

So what is UVA? These ultraviolet rays don’t generally cause visible sunburn, but can cause damage to tissue that causes wrinkles which means they penetrate deeper into the skin.

The Takeaway

As someone who is particular about my skin care and of course style. I love to pile on my protection with a moisturizing sunscreen, make up with SPF in it, and a cute hat or sunglasses just to keep my face out of direct sunlight for a prolonged period of time.

Sun Essentials — Chicks #LakeLife Essentials

I hope that you found this information helpful next time you stop by CVS or Walgreens before you head to the lake.

Lather up!

Your Chick,

Rina

**This piece was published in Milledgeville Scene Magazine May/June 2019**

Lifestyle

10 Spring Break Essentials You Need Now Under $15

March 21, 2019

In doing my own shopping for a few upcoming trips, I was surprised to see how affordable things have gotten. I own, and vouch, for each item on this list and guarantee that you will love each and every pick! These are also all shop-able on our Amazon Store.

Sunglasses Holder

I am a sunglasses junkie and truly I am embarrassed to even share how many pairs I own. That being said, sunglasses are a fun way to accessorize on vacation. Since one pair just doesn’t cut it, I take 3 with me!

Insulated Tumbler

Its no secret that there is nothing like a chilled cocktail on vacation, so I keep mine with me at all times. Since I travel with my friends often, sharing is caring. This affordable set of two will come in handy and look stylish and you will be glad you threw this in your carry on.

Neutrogena Sunscreen Stick

My kids prefer this face and body stick to the spray when it comes to being outdoors, no matter what I do, the spray ends up in their mouth and eyes. Simplify your life with this stick… AND it has SPF 70!!

Mandala Blanket

This blanket has come with me all over the Caribbean and beyond! It folds up REALLY small, feels like a thin bed sheet, and makes a big statement. The kids will always be able to spot you on the beach with one of these.

Straw Hat

This straw hat has over 1000 almost 5 star reviews. I love the structure and size of it. Not only does it make practical sense to have one when out in the sun. It makes fashion sense too!

A Good Book

I recently stayed at the home of Mary Kay Andrews (see the post here) so I have her book on my nightstand right now. But really, the only time I really have extra time for reading is on a lazy beach vacation. So check out some of my picks if you are up some learning on the go.

Tassel Earring Set

Accessories not only don’t take up a lot of room when travelling, but they are great for dressing up an outfit! A cute set of earrings is the easiest way to pack in a way that is minimalistic and fun. I have reviewed this set on IGTV and highly recommend it for the price point!

Personal Vanity

I bought this one from Amazon after seeing one of my favorite bloggers review it and I was not disappointed. It is much bigger than it seems and therefore holds a LOT! If you are needing something to keep everything in one place you will love this.

Lace Up Ballet Flats

I have been doing some shopping for shoes that I can walk in for an extended period of time. I recently featured these leopard print espadrilles on our LikeToKnowIt page, but because this is a post about finds under $15, these lace up shoes are a steal! They are comfortable and cute. I have a wider foot and still find these to be comfortable. Scoop them up in any color you want, they run true to size and you will love them.

Swimsuit Cover Up

#MomLife has me hiding behind cover ups more than ever and this chiffon kaftan will have you loving life. It is comfortable and lightweight. Because it is so affordable, get it in a fun color just to have fun with it (Sonia has it in Cobalt blue)!!

I hope you liked these picks. Just having these items is getting me excited for my trip. I wish I had had these during my recent visit to Tybee Island (ugh!)

Thanks for checking out this post!

Your Chick,

Rina

Chicks Picks: