Summer Wish List

Base

1. Jouer Matte Moisture Tint SPF 15
2. PERRICONE MD No Foundation Foundation Serum

Eyes

1. Napoleon Perdis 'Two Faced' Eyeliner Duo (Limited Edition): Power
2. Eyeko Visual Eyes Liquid Eyeliner Duo: 15% off if you sign up for newsletters from HSN

Face

1. CHANEL LES BEIGES HEALTHY GLOW SHEER COLOUR SPF 15: No. 20
2. HOURGLASS Ambient Lighting Palette

Lips

1. NARS Lipstick: Honolulu Honey

What is on your wish list for summer?

COPPERTONE CLEARLYSheer Sunscreen

It's that time of year when drugstores and supermarkets stock their shelves with loads of sun protection products, reminding people to protect their skin!  I had a chance to review Copperstone's Clearly Sheer Suncscreen, thanks to BzzAgent, a social marketing company that I've had the opportunity to work with for over 5 years.

I've used Coppertone for years, so I'm comfortable with the brand and their products.  The Clearly Sheer is a newly released line with a revamped formula.  The sunscreen claims to be non-acenegenic, non-comedogenic, moisturizing and sheer.

I prefer higher SPF on by body so I used the SPF 50 when I went to the LA Dodgers game a few weeks ago.  It was a convenient travel size version which fit perfectly in my handbag without weighing me down.  The spray nozzle is great to use as well - I have little patience when it comes to applying suncreen.  Case in point: as we were walking from the parking lot toward the stadium (about a half mile hike), I was able to thoroughly spray down my legs, arms, back and neck in less than 3 minutes.  I  then passed it on to my fellow male companions who did the same.  By the time we reached our seats inside Dodgers stadium, we were protected from the harsh, afternoon LA sun.

Let me say that I don't think the boys would have been inclined to use sunscreen if they had seen me laboriously lathering on lotion.  I think the spray can was quite appealing to them!

Here is the product information and ingredients for those that are curious.

CLEARLYSHEER^™ FOR SUNNY DAYS:

Clean and light formulas are ideal for everyday use under makeup with a fresh citrus scent that’s appropriate for routine daily activities.

CLEARLYSHEER^™ FOR BEACH & POOL

Delightfully light, refreshing formulas feel clean on skin, are water resistant for up to 80 minutes and have a subtle tropical fruit and flower fragrance.

So going back to the shelves of sunscreen, why choose Coppertone Clearly Sheer over the others?  To be honest, I would choose first by price.  This product range tends to be average price when compared to its competitors.  The real distinguishing factor is the formula.  The Clearly Sheer is lightweight and absorbs rather quickly into the skin. The texture is much less "gloopier" than the drugstore brand.  Also, it only takes a light hand for the lotion to disappear whereas other formulas you'll be rubbing and rubbing with no clear skin in sight.

I can't attest to the longevity of the formula as I tend to apply sunscreen every hour or so and especially after I've been in the water.  I would, however, warn those with sensitive skin because the spray formula contains alcohol and fragrance which may be irritating.  Also, I don't use these sunscreen on my face for the above reason and because I prefer to use Clarins UV Plus HP - Multi-protection Day Screen, SPF 40.  It's seriously good stuff (non-irritating for my ultra sensitive face) and plays nice with my foundation or BB cream.

What sunscreen do you prefer to use on your body?  What do you use on your face?  I would love to hear your thoughts!  

Laneige BB Cushion Whitening #21 Natural Beige

I have to get up quite early lately for work so I've managed to cut down my makeup routine.  Those extra few minutes of sleep are so precious to me (cranky vs. somewhat awake and ready for the day).  Thanks to the Laniege BB Cushion (whitening version) in #21 Natural Beige, I can get base makeup down rather quickly - in under 3 minutes to be exact.

I absolutely love carrying this solidly built compact around.  It's durable, has a great mirror, and just feels great in the palm of my hand.  I'd say the packaging looks quite luxurious!

It also comes with a "cushion" - a sort of synthetic "anti-bacterial" puff to apply the BB cream.  There's a plastic divider between the mirror and the makeup to store the cushion.  I dab the cushion in the product then tap, tap, tap the foundation in light, gentle patting motions onto my skin.  It has a nice cooling and moisturizing effect on the skin at first, but then the sensation goes away after multiple uses.  I find that putting on two layers gives me medium coverage over my hyperpigmentation spots.

I learned that Target is now carrying the US version of this product in different skin tones and purpose (no whitening benefits) but with the same, great SPF 50+ coverage.  As you can see in the color chart below, Koreans like their skin quite vampire-like; naturally, Laneige is offering darker colors to their US customers.  You can find out where to purchase this product here.  The color I use, #21 Natural Beige, converts to "Light" in the US version.

In terms of lasting coverage, I would definitely tell you to reapply this product during the middle of the day if you are a greasy gal like me.  Also, the product tends to fade in a way that's not flattering to pores - hard to explain but true.  So if you are a set-it-and-forget-it type of person, this may not be the product for you.  Overall, I like simplicity of using this product, the lightness of the BB cream in a compact package.  The formula isn't perfect, but it's good enough for my needs.  I use Dior Diorskin Nude Compact in 020 Light Beige to set the foundation which also works great for touch ups.

What base products do you use that cut down your makeup time?