Well that was then and this is now. Sunscreen has come a long way baby. Today, effective SPF products come in many innovative forms (sprays, towelettes, gels, powders, etc) and formulas. I currently faithfully wear sunscreen 365 days a year and have a wrinkle free face as proof. The lovely young woman in my local coffee shop (slash office) thought I was 23…bless her heart!

When it comes to skincare, I’ll step on my soap box in a minute. I LOVE makeup but good skin care is crucial. You all know what my daily regiment is like. However, if you listen to nothing else, listen to this. WEAR SUNSCREEN DAILY. For the record, I pretty much SPF 30 everyday. Sometimes I do the occasional SPF 15  (Clarins SPF 15 Multi Active Day Cream is a wonderful product) or SPF 20 (Clinique Even Better is a solid choice) but my preference is SPF 30 (Mario Badescu Oil Free SPF 30 is my current SPF 30 of choice).

Dermalogica Solar Defense SPF 30 Booster is one of my personal favs from way back. My dermatologist turned me to this product a few years ago and I often recommend it to friends and clients. Solar Defense Booster can be mixed with your foundation or moisturizer or applied directly to the face for maximum SPF 30 protection. The formula is free of artificial fragrance and color. Over time Vitamins C and E, Green Tea, and Grape soothe, smooth and help protect against free radical damage. Solar Defense Booster shields against both UVA and UVB rays.

If a physical blocker is more your speed, try….oh wait a minute. Do you know the difference between a physical blocker sunscreen and a chemical absorber sunscreen? Well lets pause for a quick lesson.

Topical sunscreens are broken down into two groups, chemical absorbers and physical blockers. Chemical absorbers work by absorbing ultraviolet (UV) radiation and can be further categorized by the type of radiation they absorb, UVA or UVB, or both UVA and UVB. Physical blockers work by reflecting or scattering the UV radiation. A few common chemical absorbers ingredients include:

• Oxybenzone
• Octyl methoxycinnamate
• Oxybenzone

Chemical absorbing sunscreens are often mixed with a combination of ingredients to provide broad spectrum coverage against both UVB and UVA radiation.

Certain individuals are allergic to chemical absorbers and can only wear physical blocker sunscreen. The two most common physical blockers are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Physical sunscreens contain powdered versions of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which reflect light, keeping it from penetrating skin. Physical sunscreens are not known to cause allergic reactions. While the aforementioned ingredients are ideal with respect to broad spectrum UV protection, their poor cosmetic appearance leaves much to be desired. When applied to the skin, physical blockers tend to have a whitening effect.

SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50 offers broad spectrum protection without the unflattering after effect of a physical blocker. The lightweight mattifying fluid spreads evenly and dries quickly to a transparent finish on light to medium complexions. The revolutionary formula contains 5% Zinc Oxide/ 6% Titanium Dioxide and is ideal for individuals who are allergic to chemical sunscreen or individuals with extremely sensitive skin. This product is truly impressive because the words “sheer” and “physical sunscreen” have never truthfully existed in the same sentence…until now! SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50 is my go-to sunscreen for morning runs!

Dr Dennis Gross Powerful Sun Protection SPF 30 Daily Sunscreen Towelettes are perfect for the gal, guy, or mommy on the go. The geniuses in R&D at Dr Dennis Gross deserve a gold star for this little innovation. I keep a few pre-moistened individually packaged towelettes in my purse and whip them out whenever I’m out in the sun for an extended period of time. While the oil-free and Vitamin C enriched formula is perfectly safe for use on the face, I mainly use Daily Sunscreen Towelettes on my arms and legs.  I regularly SPF my face in the mornings but sometimes forget about the rest of my body until I find myself standing in an hour long line at Shake Shack thinking, “oh the damage this sun is doing to my precious body”. During moments like those I rip open a towelette and go to town….wrinkly leathered skin averted!

Another convenient on-the-go sunscreen product is KORRES Sweet Orange Sprayable Sunscreen Emulsion. Packed with Vitamin C and other antioxidants, this oil-free sunscreen is ideal for individuals with photosensitive complexions. KORRES Sweet Orange Sprayable Sunscreen Emulsion provides broad spectrum UVA-UVB-IR sun protection. The sweet orange scent is a pleasant bonus!

Janson Beckett Sun Block Daytime Moisturizer SPF40 is an effective day cream and SPF all-in-one. The greaseless formula contains Shea Butter, Aloe Vera, and Soluble Collagen to plump and moisturize skin. I love that the silky formula absorbs quickly and leaves skin prepped for foundation. The finish feels like nothing yet it provides a high level of UVA/UVB protection.

VMV HYPOALLERGENICS is a brand that is new to me and one that I am very excited to share with ThisThatBeauty. The brand offers a broad selection of hypoallergenic products that exclude ingredients that known irritants. VMV’s hypoallergenic products are all rated on a “VH (Validated Hypoallergenic) – Number” rating system. A product’s VH-Number directly correlates with the number of allergens the product DOES NOT contain, as referenced by the list of allergens compiled by the North American Dermatitis Group and the European Surveillance System on Contact Allergies (ESSCA). Most VMV products have a VH-Number” ratign of 76, which means it contains none of the 76 known cosmetic and non-cosmetic allergens.

VMV’s Armada Face Cover SPF30 offers intensive protection against skin darkening and melasma. This product is quickly becoming my favorite and here’s why! What I find most impressive (and unique) about VMV’s Armada Face Cover SPF30 is that it offers both outdoor and indoor protection…so that means that it protects against UVA, UVB, and PFV. PFV is visible light protection against indoor light sources like halogens, fluorescents, computer screens, and heat from saunas or ovens.

For those of you who are concerned about hyperpigmentation and the sun’s harmful effects, Armada Face Cover can help. The product has protection so opaque that by using it daily, both indoors and outdoors can help to lighten dark spots and other forms of hyperpigmentation. Don’t let the products claim of “opaque protection” scare you. The formula applies sheer and quickly dries to a smooth soft matte finish.

Experience VMV at a 10% savings. Use code: VMVTHISTHATB. The code is valid until Dec 31, 2010, 12AM EST

Are you ready for SPF on a stick? Next up is Clinique SPF35 Targeted Protection Stick.

Clinique’s SPF35 Targeted Protection Stick is the brand’s latest offering from their Suncare With SolarSmart line. This travel-friendly stick option features vitamin and E jojoba to condition the skin and a blend of photostable sunscreens such as avobenzone to protect against UVA rays. Clinique’s SPF35 Targeted Protection Stick also features Clinqiue’s SolarSmart 3:1 technology, where UVB protection is three times proportional to UVA protection.

This month Lancome introduces Génifique Sôleil Face Cream SPF30 and SPF50. The product is said to be the brand’s “first sunshield to protect skin proteins”. The technologically advanced formulation incorporates a broad-spectrum multi-filter system to shield against UVA and UVB ra. The formula is water- and sweat-resistant. The summery floral oriental aroma is a nice touch!

If you have yet to check out the new line of SPF 50 products from Physician’s Formula you are missing out. The newly launched Healthy Wear collection features pressed bronzer, powder foundation, and tinted moisturizer. All deliver maximum SPF 50 broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection while providing sheer and natural-looking color. The anti-aging formula incorporates Licorice Extract and Tomato Derivatives to help brighten skin and diminish the appearance of sun spots. This Frugalista friendly line of sunscreen products is probably most appropriate for women who are fair to tan. Be on the lookout for an upcoming review of Physician’s Formula Bronze Boosting Glow Boosting Pressed Shimmer Bronzer. Christene Carr, a new ThisThatBeauty contributor, is currently road testing the bronzer…more soon!

Dior Capture Totale Solaire Global Anti-Aging Multi-Protective Suncare SPF20 is an anti-aging skincare product with UV protection. The satiny cream protects skin by forming a UV shield on the skin’s surface. This luxurious product contains the Dior Cell-Protection Complex, which is formulated with jasmine extracts to stimulate the natural capacity of cells to produce their own anti-oxidant defenses. This is most definitely a splurge product!

Earlier this year Darphin launched Vital Protection Age-Defying Protection Lotion SPF50. This sheer, hydrating lotion has a high SPF and incorporates both chemical and natural filters to protect against UV rays. Vital Protection Age-Defying Protection Lotion SPF50 is formulated with exclusive triple biological shield technology: botanical shield, which contains edelweiss, vitamin E and C to neutralize free radicals; enzymatic shield, which contains Venuceane to assist in detoxifying the skin; and cellular shield, which contains Transluce, an enzyme with light-resistant properties.

Naturally active skincare company Liz Earle has reformulated its sun cream using mineral sunscreens. The new Mineral Sun Cream SPF20 is formulated to reflect rather than absorb harmful UVA and UVB rays. The light formula is fragrance-free and contains shea butter as well as natural antioxidants pomegranate, green tea and natural-source vitamin E.

Neutralize free radicals with clinically proven Idebenone. PREVAGE^® Day Ultra Protection Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 30 PA++ is a lightweight moisturizer with both high level SPF protection and revolutionary antioxidant Idebenone. My derm first told me about Idebenone years ago…it works to neutralize free radicals and improve improve the appearance of dry, sun damaged skin. This luxurious splurge is ideal for individuals who seek brighter, more radiant skin and an all-in-one product to help achieve maximum results!

Last, but certainly not least — don’t forget to protect your lips! Jane Iredale Lip Drink SPF 15 is a colorless SPF 15 lip product that nourishes the lips! Lip Drink does not contain petroleum-derived products so there’s no chance of the treatment drying out your lips. The formula consists of a base of macadamia nut oil combined with edible zinc oxide, green tea extract, Vitamin E and C. It is flavored with a refreshing mixture of lemon and orange oils. Give your usual lip balm a break and try one with SPF protection!

Felicia Walker Benson is a makeup expert, style/beauty writer and wardrobe stylist. She enthusiastically shares her passion for the aforementioned with anyone who will listen. Felicia is Editor in Chief for ThisThatBeauty, Contributing Writer for Essence.com and LVCMag, Contributing Editor/NY Correspondent for The Makeup Girl and a Beauty Expert for Examiner.com. Additionally, Felicia is the Social Networking Editor for the premier professional makeup artistry magazine, ON MAKEUP.

Disclosure From time to time the good folks from various brands, PR companies, and marketing firms graciously submit product to ThisThatBeauty for editorial consideration. Much appreciated! However, ThisThatBeauty readers can take comfort in knowing that gratis product has never nor will it ever guarantee a mention on my lil ol blog.

This radiant summer collection relies on the subtle layering of bronzer to create a complexion that appears luminous and healthy. Sheer peach is used to sculpt the cheekbones, while lips are plump with a  juicy slick of a flirtatious coral tone gloss. Vivid gold and bronze, with a sweep of vivid purple is used to pop the peepers!

Meet the collection:

• Eye Quartet & Liner Palette: Featuring a metallic nutmeg eyeliner, four eye shadows in shimmery ginger, iridescent cinnamon, sparkling paprika and a matte cocoa, a double-ended brush and flock eyeshadow applicator and a mini eyeliner brush. The shadows are embossed with a gold star anise
• Instant Smooth Compact Highlighter: Two complexion highlighters in Natural, a sheer, dewy peach and Bronze, a vibrant golden caramel. Housed in Clarins’ signature oval compact, the highlighter can be used on the skin, eyes and cheeks
• Instant Sun Light Click & Gloss SPF6: A vanilla and raspberry-scented lip gloss housed in a sleek pen. Available in three iridescent shades: Vanilla, Coral and Cinnamon
• Instant Smooth Crystal Lip Balm: Brand new lip formulas containing high-tech polymers, pro-ceramides and lip-smoothing and line-filling ingredients. Comes in three shades: Crystal Coral, Crystal Red and Crystal, a natural pink
• Wonder Violet Wonder Waterproof Mascara: A water-resistant, intense violet mascara designed to add volume, length and curl to the lashes

Felicia Walker Benson is a makeup expert, style/beauty writer and wardrobe stylist. She enthusiastically shares her passion for the aforementioned with anyone who will listen. Felicia is Editor in Chief for ThisThatBeauty, Contributing Writer for Essence.com and LVCMag, Contributing Editor/NY Correspondent for The Makeup Girl and a Beauty Expert for Examiner.com. Additionally, Felicia is the Social Networking Editor for the premier professional makeup artistry magazine, ON MAKEUP.

Disclosure From time to time the good folks from various brands, PR companies, and marketing firms graciously submit product to ThisThatBeauty for editorial consideration. Much appreciated! However, ThisThatBeauty readers can take comfort in knowing that gratis product has never nor will it ever guarantee a mention on my lil ol blog.

A contemporary look with softly smoky blue diffused all over the eyes and highlighted with white on the inner corners for a striking appearance. The use of blue in the collection is soft and romantic. The eyes beautifully balance sensual, shiny lips coated in rose pink. The harmony of the lips and eyes stand out against a satiny finish complexion.

Cotton Flower introduces a strong color palette of blue, lilac, violet, indigo and white hues on the eyes to create a high impact look. Pink is key for lips. The collections boasts caramel rose, sparkling pink and deep blue-toned rose.

Products in the collection:

• Face Palette: Light pressed powder in beige and iridescent white tones embossed with a cotton flower decoration
• Eye Quartet & Liner Palette: Features three powder eye shadow colors in lilac, violet and gentian; an indigo blue powder eye liner and a hyacinth white highlighter presented in a mirrored compact with brush applicators
• Eye Colour Monos: Two new eye colors in Desert Blonde, a translucent beige and Dusky Rose, a pink-toned taupe
• Joli Rouge Lipstick: New shades in Pink Blossom, a rose pink and Rose Berry, a blue-toned rose. Each one comes in a blackcurrant flavor and a touch of licorice and vanilla fragrance
• Joli Rouge Sheer Lipstick: Comes in two shades: Sorbet, a sparkling pink and Toffee, a frosted caramel rose
• Gloss Appeal: Two new glosses with a light almond scent: Iced Pink, a shimmery pink and Sweet Fig, a creamy nude

(European launch)

Felicia Walker Benson is a makeup expert, style/beauty writer and wardrobe stylist. She enthusiastically shares her passion for the aforementioned with anyone who will listen. Felicia is Editor in Chief for ThisThatBeauty, Contributing Writer for Essence.com and LVCMag, Contributing Editor/NY Correspondent for The Makeup Girl and a Beauty Expert for Examiner.com. Additionally, Felicia is the Social Networking Editor for the premier professional makeup artistry magazine, ON MAKEUP.

Disclosure From time to time the good folks from various brands, PR companies, and marketing firms graciously submit product to ThisThatBeauty for editorial consideration. Much appreciated! However, ThisThatBeauty readers can take comfort in knowing that gratis product has never nor will it ever guarantee a mention on my lil ol blog.

Many major beauty brands have based their Spring collections on the ice princess theme. To pull off this trend, you will need cool tones of sky blue, turquoise, lilac and icy white in your makeup rotation. The cool tones on the eye are lightly diffused to create a two tone effect. Skin is bright with light bouncing off the cheeks, bridge of the nose and forehead. Gentle illumination is the core of the ice princess theme. Lips are plump with soft sensuality in see through coral hues. Take a gander at the beauty brands embracing this look.

Lancome

Clarins (European launch)

Shu Uemura

YSL

Which look is your personal fav? Leave a comment. I’m crushing particularly hard on Clarins!

Felicia Walker Benson is a makeup expert, style/beauty writer and wardrobe stylist. She enthusiastically shares her passion for the aforementioned with anyone who will listen. Felicia is Editor in Chief for ThisThatBeauty, Contributing Writer for Essence.com and LVCMag, Contributing Editor/NY Correspondent for The Makeup Girl and a Beauty Expert for Examiner.com. Additionally, Felicia is the Social Networking Editor for the premier professional makeup artistry magazine, ON MAKEUP.

Disclosure From time to time the good folks from various brands, PR companies, and marketing firms graciously submit product to ThisThatBeauty for editorial consideration. Much appreciated! However, ThisThatBeauty readers can take comfort in knowing that gratis product has never nor will it ever guarantee a mention on my lil ol blog.

Today’s gift guide is is for the gal pal on your holiday list who absolutely positively lives for makeup (meaning: she’s a lot like moi). Gloss, bronzer, blush…you name it – she’s obsessed. Not sure what to buy your makeup loving BFF? Fret not, I’ve got you covered. Behold…

ThisThatBeauty Approved Holiday Gift Guide: For the Makeup Obsessed

MAKE UP FOR EVER Flash Color Palette – $95

Want to see your Makeup Obsessed BFF completely lose it? If you answered, “yes”, may I suggest MAKE UP FOR EVER Flash Color Palette! It is a creamy, highly pigmented color palette with soft texture that blends easily with other shades. Flash Colors are ideally suited for creating personalized hues of blush, eye shadows and lip color. I swear by the peach and pink shades as a blush base for brides. Flash Colors are easily set with loose powder or eye shadow. This palette is a makeup fiend’s dream. Trust me on this one!

Clarins Gold Attraction Face Palette – $57

Embrace all that sparkles this holiday season! Clarins Gold Attraction Face Palette is the perfect choice for a subtle hint of sexy golden shimmer on the face or decolletage. This luxuriously packaged face palette is a great gift for the makeup lover in your life. The soft beige powder with both glossy and matte colour combine beautifully to create a face palette that is extremely flattering and will compliment a variety of complexions. Inspired by the radiance of Venice, Gold Attraction Face Palette can be used to light up your eyes, decolletage and high points of the face. This gift is sure to make a statement!

Smashbox Eyelights in Smokebox – $34

In my experience as a makeup artist, do you know what the number one requested look is? Yep, you guessed it…SMOKY EYES! Eyelights in Smokebox is a smoky, sultry trio of shadows designed to work flawlessly to create the ultimate smoky eye. You don’t have to be a makeup artist to achieve this highly sought after look. Smashbox makes it simple with this perfect palette of intense metallic shadows. Eyelights in Smokebox includes warm beige, soft brown, and intense black. FIERCE!

My Sculpted Face – $38

This is the perfect gift for the makeup obsessed bella in your life who has EVERYTHING! Help your makeup loving BFF take her application to the next level. My Sculpted Face provides step by step instruction on bringing out cheekbones, contouring a double chin, slenderizing the forehead, and slimming or straightening the nose. All powders in My Sculpted Face are designed in custom shades that closely match the natural shadows created by facial feature dimension. Furthermore, My Sculpted Face is plain old cool and will knock your makeup crazed BFF’s socks off. I use My Sculpted all the time and LOVE the results!

Lord & Berry Black Wardrobe – $38

This four piece eye pencil set offers you all the shades of black you need: matte, shiny, sparkling black, and violet-black. Lord & Berry Black Wardrobe is truly a wardrobe in black. Smooth Black is perfect for everyday office wear. The slight hint of violet in Cool Black dresses up you eyes with just of hint of smokey purple. Mirror black is slick and glossy for an uber wet effect. Sparkly Black is best for a night out on the town…all eyes will be on you! Black Wardrobe is packaged in a portable Lord & Berry soft pouch. The set also includes a sharpener.

BECCA Showgirl Holiday Palette – $65

My Holiday Gift Guide would be incomplete without the inclusion of BECCA, one of ThisThatBeauty’s fav brands! Many of you followed my recent breakdown on Twitter when I lost my beloved Compact Concealer. Thankfully New London Pharmacy NYC had my shade (Truffle) in stock. Crisis averted!

As a huge fan of multitasking palettes, I simply had to add Showgirl Holiday Palette to my holiday gift guide for the Makeup Obsessed. Showgirl is a glamorous collaboration of shades for eye, lips, and cheeks. This conveniently packaged all-in-one palette is perfect for the glamour gal on the go who needs to get gorg fast! The shades include:

• Lip & Cheek Creme – Holly hock (berry)
• Nude Lip Gloss – Parisette (soft pink)
• Eye Color Wash – Tulle (misty lilac)
• Eye Colour Wash – Charmeuse (mushroom beige)
• Compact Eyeliner – Emmanuelle (dark brown)
• Dual Ended Brush – Eyeliner/ Eye Shadow Brush combination
  

The Body Shop Eye and Cheek Palette – $13

Here’s another palette stunner. These party-ready products for eyes, lips and cheeks feature highly effective moisturizing and skin conditioning community Trade Marula Oil from Nambia’s Eudafang Women’s Co Operative.

Laura Gellar Baked Cake Eyeliner Duo – $27

This revolutionary liner offers creamy and intense buildable color that glides on with a fluidity that creates the perfect flawless line or a sultry smudgy look! When Baked Cake Eyeliner Duo is applied wet, the liner become water resistant and lasts for hours. ThisThatBeauty’s fav shade is Blueberry/ Dutch Chocolate. Yumma yumma!

Lipstick Queen Butterfly Ball Shimmer Treatment Lipstick – $20

Inspired by Mohammed Ali’s famous quote from Rumble in the Jungle “I float like a butterfly and sting like a bee”, Lipstick Queen’s latest launch, Butterfly Ball Shimmer Treatment Lipstick, comes in five beautifully subtle shades that are as sheer as the wings of a butterfly. Each shimmer tint contains a hint of turquoise which creates a very flattering blue flash to make your teeth appear whiter. How cool is that? The luscious formula contains nourishing Vitamin E, C, B and Aloe which makes Butterfly Ball Shimmer Treatment incredibly wet, soft, and moisturizing. All five shades are incredibly flattering and sheer enough to be universally flattering.

• Float – Pale shimmering nude
• Fly – Hot shimmering pink
• Trance – Subtle shimmering Raspberry (my fav!)
• Moment – Sexy shimmering Red
• Goodbye – Deep shimmering wine

Guest speakers include Clarins worldwide skin care expert Rose Marie Castano, who was personally trained by Clarins founder, Jacques Courtin-Clarins.  Aline Hebert, VP of Clarins Education, will also provide skin care tips, techniques and quick fixes using Clarins “must-have” products.

Personally, I am addicted to Clarins NEW Muti Active Day Cream. Pop by the Clarins counter at Bloomies to learn what all the buzz is about

Clarins Event Calendar:

• 10/15 – Kick Off Beauty Party
• 10/16 – Beauty Party
• 10/17 – Beauty Party
• 10/18 – Superior Skin Care Secrets Master Class: hosted by Joseph Favilla
• 10/19 – Meet the Expert: Rose Marie Castano
• 10/20 – Meet the Expert: Rose Marie Castano
• 10/21 – Studio Master Class: hosted by Rose Marie Castano
• 10/22 – Meet the Expert: Aline Hebert
• 10/24 – Halloween Beauty Party: Get into the trick-or-treat mood!
• 10/25 – Halloween Beauty Party

RSVP for events via the Clarins Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/Clarins. You can also follow Clarins on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/ClarinsNews. They’re a lot of fun so definitely follow Clarins on twitter:)

Hey pretty ladies – I came across an amazing offer that I just had to share…Enjoy!

Be one of the first 5,000 people to fan Clarins and receive a complementary 3-week supply of the NEW Multi-Active Day skin care cream!

Clarins officially enters into the social media space with the launch of the new Multi-Active Day skin care range. Multi-Active is created for today’s modern woman whose skin is prone to early aging due to her busy, active lifestyle and environmental stressors. Clarins is built on the philosophy of listening to women and finding innovative solutions for their beauty concerns. Facebook and twitter will further enable Clarins to connect with multi-active women across multi-platforms and continue to listen to women, providing feedback in a moment’s notice.

Click on links below to become a fan!

Clarins on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Clarins/98029424570

Clarins on Twitter:

http://twitter.com/ClarinsNews

Official Clarins Website:

http://us.clarins.com