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Summer Beauty Essentials, Part 3

I love summer! However in order to fully enjoy the sun, I know my best friend has to be sunscreen.  So, Part 3 of my summer beauty essentials Series focuses on keeping our skin protected. While rocking that preferred type of glow as we enjoy this gloriously sexy season.

Loving summer on the Mexican Rivera with my friend Julia.
Loving summer on the Mexican Rivera with my friend Julia.

Let’s begin with sunscreen. Not all sunscreens are created equal. In general sunscreens are bursting with chemicals that should not be going on our largest organ. Ironic right, they claim to be protecting us! Certainly not from these potential cancer causing chemicals. The chemical laden sunscreens that contain Homosalate (8.78%), Octinoxate (7.5%), Octisalate (5%), Oxybenzone( 5%) should be avoided.

“The use of sunscreen chemicals may be increasing the incidence of cancer…it also now appears that many heavily used chemical sunscreens may actually increase cancers by virtue of their free radical generating properties…” – Dr. Loren Pickart, P&G skin care research center.

The sunscreens I mention here contain natural minerals from the earth, either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. I’m a lover of Badger. I have been wearing the Damascus Rose SPF 20 face sunscreen with a sheer tint. For a more full coverage I highly recommend JuiceBeauty SPF 30 tinted mineral moisturizer – BB. This 4-in-1 multitasking BB cream not only protects but has powerful antioxidant rich apple, grape and aloe juices for a radiant, even toned complexion. I’m a huge fan of MyChelle skincare in general and the sun shield broad spectrum SPF 28 chemical free protection, is one of my absolute favorites for the face. I also love the Daily Defense cream SPF 17, it protects and hydrates at the same time.

For the body I am trying Badger Active broad spectrum SPF 30 zinc oxide sunscreen cream. It is very thick and requires a lot of rubbing in, so a little goes a long way. However, after a long bike ride in the blazing sun Badger Active did it’s job superbly. If, like me, you enjoy riding your bike or running outside then I’ve found JuiceBeauty organic SPF 30 sport moisturizer cream is another option. I recently started using Badger sunscreen (SPF 15) lip balm and my lips are noticeably softer. Even while running around the urban jungle I make sure to protect myself.

Now that we are protected, how do we keep our face looking flawless while in 90 plus temperatures…we spray our face darh-ling. Yes we do and we love the way it feels while refreshing our make up. My go to sprays are Mychelle Fruit Enzyme Mist; an antioxidant-rich, hydrating mist to ease the look of dehydration in the skin. Mychelle Apple brightening mist (travel size 2.1oz) hydrates and really brightens the complexion, while strengthening the skin. A face spray, another model recommended to me, that I love is by Alteya Organics. The organic Bulgarian Rose spray is very soothing and made of fresh organic blossoms of rosa damascena, one of the most precious and fragrant oil-bearing roses. I find a quick spritz, throughout the day while working, helps keep my face looking more polished.

Another tool for the summer are Boscia clear complexion blotting linens. This travel friendly package of 100 sheets instantly absorb excess oil. They treat and prevent breakouts without disturbing your make-up. Summer in the city can get dirty. Which is why I always have Juice Beauty blemish clearing serum in my bathroom cabinet, ready for any uninvited guests on my face. I’ve said it before and I will say it again – this is the absolute best product for an emergency blemish situation.

And finally the travel friendly Badger organic anti-bug, shake & spray is a must for the summer (now if only we could use that for the human bugs – wink wink).

Have a protected and fabulous July 4th America, I will have a British flag in one hand and an American flag in the other. Stay tuned for a more in depth look into summer skincare next week.

All products are available at your local wholefoods.

emma spring

Emma is a British actress, model and broadcast journalist living in NYC.
Her approach to beauty is holistic and this is reflected in the Beauty Essentials series. Represented for film&TV acting/voiceovers and print/commercial modeling by the Mary Anne Claro Agency and MMG model management.

Read all of Emma’s post here.

Also, here is Part One of this Series, and Part Two.

33 Comments

  1. I’ve had a mist sitting on my dresser for the longest time. I should put it to use.

  2. I’ve been switching over to natural sunscreens this summer too. I find that the chemical ones make my face break out. Thanks for the natural recs!

  3. I have a million different sunscreens, but Badger is usually the one I use when I’m going to the beach. Although I sit under a beach umbrella, I still need the heavy duty coverage.

  4. I’ve been trying to use more natural sunscreens as well, as long as they provide UVA and UVB protection. I will have to checkout the Badger line.

  5. Boscia blotting papers are fabulous, but I’ve been loving Tatcha Aborigatorigami papers lately – they seem to be a tad gentler and don’t absorb literally every ounce of oil from your skin.

  6. It’s important, too, to check the expiration date on sunscreen. The active ingredients don’t last more than a season, usually, so get a new bottle each summer!

  7. I have trouble with some of the Badger scents but it’s a great brand and so reasonably priced.

  8. Thank you so much for your comment. I absolutely love the smell of Badger – they do have Unscented too. Yes it is well priced!

  9. Thanks for your comment Heather. So happy to hear you love and use natural sunscreens. Yes good point! I always wear a hat also to help protect me.

  10. Great to hear from you Chelsea. Yes the lip balm is really good for the summer (ideal for the beach) and really works.

  11. Great to hear from you and thank you for your comment. I think it is all personal preference. However Tatcha is a fabulous skincare line ( side note; I auditioned to be there QVC on air host) and I will try their papers too.

  12. Great to hear from you. I have pale English skin and I’ve used non toxic sunscreen for years and used to live in Miami. They protect you! Badger is great and so is Juice Beauty and MyChelle. I stand by all three.

  13. It is great to hear from you Allison, as always. Thank you for your comment. I love Badger, they rock! Yes protect your skin by any means necessary!

  14. I generally like physical sunscreens for my body, I’m not as bothered by the white cast on my body vs. my face.

  15. Thanks for your comment ! I totally agree with you. Yes. The sun can still reach you on a cloudy day in the winter.

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