Review: Miracle Skin Transformer SPF 20

Gail Lewis6 comments

A Girl's Gotta Spa!

Update: Miracle Skin Transformer has been discontinued. Our review of this product was done in 2013.

I am not someone who enjoys wearing foundation or face powder. All of the brands that I have tried...or that have been applied to my skin on shoots by professional makeup artists, have left me feeling like I had a veil of some kind on my face, which is not an enjoyable sensation.  

Even those foundations that have claimed to be invisible or weightless, still felt heavy to me. So unless it is a working situation like a photoshoot, TV or video shoot, I normally forgo any and all foundation, concealer and face powder. This is unfortunate because there are times when I would like to look a bit more polished than normal, but even then having a veil of foundation on my face is not worth it to me.  

I have tried a plethora of tinted moisturizers in the hopes that they would feel lighter on my skin but those have just ended up looking and feeling greasy, even the non-oily formulas.  

What I would really love is a product that is not as heavy as a foundation, has a matte finish, but does not make my skin look dry and is actually weightless, especially in the summer.  Well I now have a product that does all of the above and then some... For the last two weeks I have been wearing Miracle Skin Transformer with SPF 20 and this stuff is absolute genius.  

It's like an uber performing tinted moisturizer, but is actually called a Hydrating Tinted Skin Enhancer with UVA/UVB SPF 20. The Skin Enhancer has a great, velvety, matte texture.  It does not feel oily or greasy at all...in fact it felt like I had applied a very lightweight serum to my face.  In addition to feeling great, it performed magnificently.

The Miracle Skin Transformer covered my imperfections and evened out my skin tone.  My skin also looked and felt smoother and I loved that it still looked like skin and not skin plus a veil of makeup. Even though it leaves a matte finish and has a matte, velvety feel, it still manages to hydrate my skin and leave it looking radiant.  A HUGE added bonus is that it also contains SPF 20 so that while it's doing all that other stuff like making my skin look flawless while also hydrating and improving it, it's also protecting it from UVA/UVB rays.  

Oh and in case I forgot to mention, best of all...I can apply it with my fingertips and it literally takes about ten seconds max...talk about time saving.  I wore the Miracle Skin Transformer on a fourteen hour day move shoot as well as a twelve hour day commercial shoot and it definitely stood up to the test and kept right on performing. 

Miracle Skin Transformer #review #skincare #SPF

The Miracle Skin Transformer SPF 20 is touted as a 3-in-1 formula...meaning it hydrates, enhances and protects the skin, but I think it should just say "everything you have ever wanted or needed in your makeup and skincare in this one lovely tube"...okay now I know that would be a mouthful but it really does seem to do EVERYTHING.  

I'm not sure how founder Sarah McNamara managed to create a product that does so many amazing things for your skin simultaneously, while making you feel beautiful and comfortable in your own skin...I guess we will chalk it up to her being a miracle worker. 

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Review: True Blue Spa 60-Second Manicure Hand Scrub & Smoothing Foot Scrub

Gail Lewis
Although going to the spa can never be an overrated experience, there is something to be said of being able to bring the spa to the comfort and privacy of your own home with you and a few of your closest girlfriends...or sometimes just solo.  The only problem with bringing the spa to your home is the quality of the spa products.  More often than not, spa products that I am able to get my hands on are never spa quality and being that neither me nor my girlfriends are professional estheticians, we need our products to do the job that we can not.  Which is why I love products from True Blue Spa by Bath & Body Works.  The brands products are spa quality without the spa prices, they really allow you to experience the true spa experience at home. My two favorite True Blue Spa products are the 60-Second Manicure Hand Scrub and the Smoothing Foot Scrub.  The Hand Scrub is a sugar based exfoliating treatment that also contains moisturizing Shea Butter.  I love starting  my at home spa manicures with the scrub because it immediately softens my hands and cuticles and allows any moisturizing products that follows, whether it's a hand lotion, masque or cuticle oil, to do a more effective job.  The scrub also has a great citrusy scent...like a blend of sugar and grapefruit.  Much like the hand scrub, the Smoothing Foot Scrub also smooths and softens, allowing moisturizing products to be better absorbed by the feet.  The foot scrub also has a great refreshing minty scent, due to the Peppermint Oil that is a part of the ingredients and that also stimulates tired feet. I may never completely give up going to a spa in favor of spa-ing at home, but for those days when the spa budget is a bit too tight or if I just want to have a girl's night in with my at home spa products and a bottle of wine, it's great to know that I have two amazing products on hand that very closely captures the spa experience and results without the steep spa price tags or having to change out of my jammies.

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7 Summer Makeup Tips

Shannon Smyth3 comments
Guest beauty post from Prime Beauty Blog Summer is in full swing and whether you're having a picnic in the park, watching a baseball game or splashing with the kids in the pool, you want your makeup to stay put and not end up dripping down your face. Lighten up your makeup routine for the summer months with these waterproof products: 1. Ditch your regular foundation and opt for a tinted moisturizer. A tinted moisturizer serves a dual purpose providing much needed moisture and sheer color. It looks and feels lighter on your skin and eliminates the need for a separate moisturizer saving time for summer fun! Make sure to choose a tinted moisturizer with at least a SPF of 15. My picks: Urban Decay Urban Defense, SPF 20($30) and FusionBeauty Prime Results ($40). If you're looking for for more coverage, Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturizer can't be beat! 2. Try waterproof eyeliner. There is nothing that can make your eyes pop and come alive like colored eyeliner. Make Up For Ever Aqua Liners ($23) come in 15 colors so you're sure to find a shade right for you. Aqua Liners are available in three finishes; Matte, Diamond and Iridescent. Go from a classic matte black cat eye look to a bright purple sparkling eye. These are completely waterproof and last through heat, humidity and a dip in the pool. They do NOT come off until you take them off. The stiff pointed tip applicator makes eye lining easy-peasy! 3. Use a waterproof mascara so you don't end up looking like Snookie. I like L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes Waterproof Mascara for long length. Although I haven't personally tried the new Urban Decay Cannonball ($20), it's getting fantastic reviews--no more raccoon eyes. 4. Benefit Cheek Stains ($29) come in three smudge-proof, budge proof shades. I'm partial to the new Coral-ish Cha Cha Tint, (no surprise there), Posie Tint is a sweet pink and the original Benetint imparts a pretty natural red flush. The texture is a lightweight watery gel that gives yo time to blend. The packaging: a small jar with a brush applicator is the same for all three. Those who know me well know that I am a coral freak, however I really like the original Benetint for summer. It gives the cheeks such a nice natural glow--like you've playing beach volleyball/golf/tennis (insert your favorite sport here) in the sun. Pat several small dots along the cheekbone and blend with your fingers. These are supposed to be suitable for the lips too, but I find Benetint too thin for that. 5. A Waterproof Bronzer? You betcha! Although I don't particularly advocate a full face of makeup for the beach or pool, but if you're super pale like me or are watching your sun exposure, you may want to use a bronzer. Get the Bronzed Goddess look without the sun damage with Tarte Park Ave. Princess Matte Waterproof Bronzer ($29). This bronzer lives up to its claim, it truly is waterproof--I know I tested it in the shower! This is my favorite bronzer for fair skinned beauties like me so I was thrilled when they came out with a waterproof version last summer. For darker toned skin, Hourglass also makes a waterproof bronzer. 6. Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Cream Eyeshadow ($22.80). They last all day, absolutely do NOT crease and come in five gorgeous shades. My favorites are Beach Bronze, Moss, Seashell Pink, Slate and Shimmering Plum--oops that's all of them! Again, while you probably wouldn't apply a full face of makeup to go to the beach, but how about when you're baking in the sun at a neighborhood BBQ? Or cocktails at a sidewalk bar?  You may be melting in the heat, but your makeup will look fresh! 7. Stila Crush Lip and Cheek Stain ($24) these stains are fantastic! The texture is very thin, almost watery and they last and last. They come in 8 shades from the bronzy Coconut Crush to the bright Raspberry Crush. I love Mango or Raspberry, bright, summery shades that look great with a tan! My Summer Beauty 5 minute face--A good tinted moisturizer with SPF, Tarte Park Ave. Princess Waterproof Bronzer on the high planes of the face, (where the sun would normally hit), a touch of Benetint blush, Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Cream Eyeshadow in a neutral shades, Make Up For Ever Aqua Liner in a bright shade, Urban Decay Cannonball Waterproof Mascara & Stila Mango Crush Lip Stain. Now I'm prepared for summer heat, humidity and maybe getting throw in the pool!

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Review: Blink For Beauty, Minneapolis MN

Gail Lewis2 comments
The importance of well groomed eyebrows should never be underestimated.  After all, eyebrows frame our face and also has the power to transform it.  Yet there are still many of us out there, who will invest in facials and top of the line skincare and makeup, but then kind of forget about the brows...or worse yet go to an inexperienced aesthetician and get our brows completely hacked in five minutes after we have spent the last three months growing them in...ok I digress. I was given a referral (from a pretty reputable source) of a place to get my brows done before a photoshoot and ended up having a good amount of my eyebrows waxed off in a few minutes and left with horribly thin and dramatically arched brows that I have to constantly fill in (which for someone who likes to spend 5 minutes or less on her daily makeup routine, is very annoying.)  Plus I cringed every time I looked in the mirror because I looked like I was constantly surprised or tired and older...sometimes all three at the same time.  Being that I had just moved to South Beach and knew absolutely no one, I had no idea of where I should go to get them fixed, if that was even possible nor would I have trusted another "referral."  My only option was to continue filling them in and hope that since I was in the Sunshine State my eyebrows would grow in faster...because everything grows faster in the sunlight...right?

My brows did start growing in...to their natural shape and not the hyper arched scrawny line that was waxed on to my face.  While I was ecstatic (and still continue to be) about my brows growing in, they now looked a hot mess.  I needed a major brow overhaul.  Lucky for me a trip to my hometown of Minneapolis, MN for my friend's wedding was in my near future so instead of taking my chances on an unknown salon/spa and have my brows defiled, I decided to wait until I was in Minneapolis to go to the only person who understood my brows and their needs (she was actually the first person to clean and shape my brows to perfection) and immediately after booking my Flight to MN, I booked at appointment at Blink For Beauty to see THE brow guru herself, Christina Snead. Christina has been in the aesthetics and fashion industry for 12 years and is an absolute expert, you only have to glance at her brows to know that you will be in the best of hands. The first time I saw Christina was after a makeup artist shaved off most of my eyebrows and filled them in with brow powder to hide the deed (imagine my surprise after I got home and washed my face!)  I don't know how she did it, but Christina saved me from looking like something out of Star Trek and I've never looked back since.  I was hoping that she would again be able to work whatever magic it is she does and save my brows for the second time. The next morning after my flight to Minneapolis, I woke up and headed straight to Blink For Beauty (I would have gone right after my flight landed but the studio is not open at 11pm).  Upon walking through the door I immediately felt reassured and relaxed.  The space is absolutely breathtaking. It is modern and sleek yet very relaxing, warm and welcoming...much like Christina herself.  It's always a great idea to get there a bit early to browse the great selection of jewelry, dresses and beauty products that Blink For Beauty carries, I especially love the wrap bracelets and products from Coola. I didn't even need to explain the torture that my brows underwent in Miami; Christina pointed out where too much had been waxed off  and explained to me what she would be doing to clean them up as well as to make sure they would grow back into their natural shape.  In twenty minutes my brows were transformed...as well as my entire face.  No longer did I look like an surprised, angry, tired Klingon, but my face somehow looked cleaner and more refreshed.  I swear her chair has magical powers because although she is removing hair from your face, she manages to make the process absolutely relaxing and painless.  I always get a bit sad when the service is over because I absolutely love being in the Blink For Beauty studio surrounded by calming music, relaxing scents, the nicest aestheticians I have ever met and the pretty great, but hard to find beauty products.  When I did manage to tear myself away from Blink For Beauty, I of course, had to leave with a bracelet... In four weeks, when my brows are again ready for a tune up, my plan is to fly to Minneapolis and once again head straightaway to  Blink For Beauty.  I am convinced that paying for a plane ticket is a much better choice than walking around and having people speak some weird language to me because they honestly think I might be a Klingnon (thanks to my brows) and to be honest Blink For Beauty is definitely worth the plane ticket, after all they have transformed hair removal into an art form.  Now, if only I can convince founders Christina and Brook to start traveling and teaching their "art of hair removal" secrets to the rest of the nation...first stop of course would be Miami.

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5 Summer Skin Care Tips from Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa

Shannon Smyth
As temperatures rise and millions of people prepare to spend hours in the sun, exposing their skin to harmful UV rays, it's crucial to be mindful of how to minimize the effects of prolonged sun exposure. Not only can the sun cause painful sunburns, rashes or even skin cancer, it is also the top cause for signs of aging. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, up to 90 percent of the visible changes commonly attributed to aging are caused by the sun and about 65 percent of melanoma cases are attributed to UV radiation. Todd Leff, CEO of Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, a 50-plus unit massage and facial spa franchise with a mission to bring massage, facial and waxing services to the masses, has developed the top five tips for people when thinking about their skin this summer: 1. Exfoliate your skin: By exfoliating, you can remove the dead, dull skin debris that cause congestion and hinder skin hydration. Mornings are the best time to exfoliate, prior to applying toner, moisturizer, SPF or makeup. Exfoliation makes for clearer, smoother skin for both women and men. 2. Stay hydrated: Just as your body needs water for hydration, your face also needs proper moisture to withstand the harmful effects of the sun. Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of plain, filtered water every day to maintain the needed moisture balance for your skin. Products such as masques can also be used once or twice a week, and boosters and toners can serve as an additional level of hydration before applying moisturizer. 3. Apply, apply again: A dab of sunscreen won't do if you're going to be on the beach or out in the sun for any extended period of time. Typically a teaspoon of sunscreen is sufficient for the face and as much as a shot glass worth is needed for the body. You should reapply every two hours and avoid the mid-day sun from mid-morning to late afternoon when possible. 4. Battling the burn: We've all been in the situation where you forgot the sunscreen, didn't apply enough or missed a spot. The damage has been done, but applying cooling gels and soothing botanicals can reduce redness and inflammation. This should be done at the first sight of a pink glow, as one blistering sunburn can double your risk of melanoma. It is also recommended to get a yearly skin exam by a doctor to detect early warning signs. 5. Repairing and treating damage: Although a tan is commonly thought of as a popular summer look, it actually indicates skin damage. Receiving monthly facials, such as a hydrating facial, can help begin to repair the damage done by the sun by promoting healthy cell growth and stimulating collagen destructing enzymes. Find a Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa near you at www.handandstone.com.

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Spas in the Poconos: The Lodge at Woodloch

Shannon Smyth

A few years ago when I went to The Lodge at Woodloch for a facial and massage, I swore that one day I would spend the weekend at their destination spa. The rooms are luxuriously appointed, the spa cuisine is to die for, and the grounds are breathtaking.

Although I only live about 40 minutes from The Lodge at Woodloch, the resort is tucked away here in the Poconos in such a way, that it felt like I was traveling far far away… One of the first things I noticed about The Lodge at Woodloch, was their superior customer service. We (Bryan & I) pulled up to the gated entry to give our name for our stay and by the time we got to the valet, they opened my door calling me by name and once inside, the concierge, also motioned to me calling me by name…all of which made me feel like a valued customer and not just some random person checking in.

We scheduled a spa treatment, 9 holes of golf at Woodloch Springs, Wake-Up kayaking for 7am the next morning and made a reservation for dinner. After a quick tour of the resort, Bryan sat down for lunch at Tree while I was whisked away for a Tension Tamer massage with Gwen.

If you haven’t heard me tweet and Facebook incessantly about how much I LOVE this spa, then you certainly need to stop by and try it for yourself. I chose the Tension Tamer massage, as sitting at my desk all day working has really had its way with my upper back and shoulders. At times, the pain has become unbearable.

The Tension Tamer focuses on this key muscle group to help melt that stress away. And boy did it! At the beginning of the massage I told Gwen that I could barely feel any pressure from her hands in the area surrounding my neck because some of the area had gone numb. She worked her magic and within 30 minutes I was telling her that she was a magician. Suddenly there was feeling back in that area and the tension in the surrounding muscles began to ease up. I honestly did not want to leave after my 50 minutes were up. Gwen told me that due to my line of work, that I really needed to have massages focusing on that area more often. I completely agree!  

After finishing up a lunch plate that Bryan brought me to the room, we made our way over to Woodloch Springs, which is a private community with an 18-hole PGA 2 golf course. Since I have never played golf before, we decided on just doing 9 holes. The course was gorgeous despite how wet the green was from all of the rain we’ve been having in the Poconos. Bryan taught me how to play and I have to say, golf is hard work! I have a new respect for pro-golfers now! Dinner at Tree was delicious and we each had salad and chicken that was out of this world. At about 9pm we decided a swim was in order and made our way to their Aqua Garden (which has amazing waterfalls) and their Horizon Whirlpool. On a dark night with a view of the stars, it was breathtaking.  

I slept like a baby that night and I honestly didn’t want to get out of bed in the morning because the bed was so comfortable! Made me realize that I’m about due for a new mattress for my own bed. The morning was a little chilly, but we made our way to Little Lake Teedyuskung for our 7am kayaking.

Since the rest of the people who signed up for the session were no-shows, we had the guide all to ourselves! This 1:1 session was great as we learned more about the area we live in and got to take in all of the wildlife. Although the really ridiculous spider that kept jumping into my kayak, which almost made me flip over when trying to get it out, was not so amusing (at least for me, but Bryan and our guide thought it was pretty funny.) After breakfast at Tree, my feet begged me for a Restorative Rosemary Pedicure at their Lotus Salonand how could I say no? The view from my seat was beautiful and the bourbon vanilla soak helped soften my dry heels. I loved the seaweed wrap and Antoinette made my toes look pretty with SpaRitual’s Crystal Water nail polish. All in all, it was a relaxing and fun-filled weekend that we truly enjoyed. So whether you live locally and are looking for a staycation without feeling like you are really still local or are looking for a Pocono getaway, The Lodge at Woodloch should top your list of places to go. If you’ve visited or have had a spa treatment here, please share your experience in the comments!

disclosure: a portion of this stay was gifted.

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Review: Homemade Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment

Gail Lewis

DIY Deep Conditioning Hair Mask #recipe #haircare Lately I've been into creating my own beauty products. A DIY deep conditioning hair mask has been on my radar for a while now.

I am always obsessed with the condition of my hair and would love for it to always be strong, healthy and shiny, but it seems that lately my hair has been a bit challenged.  My hair seems to be taking a beating from the sun and feels really dry and brittle, and it needs help big time.

DIY Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment #haircare #beauty  
I decided to take advantage of our "Celeb Hair Guru" here at A Girl's Gotta Spa!, Pearson Knight, and asked what would be a great at home deep condition treatment that would help (and that I could create myself) to improve the condition of my hair. Pearson recommended that I do "the olive oil/coconut oil/avocado treatment." Basically this involves combining olive oil, coconut oil and avocados together to create a super moisturizing hair masque. Olive oil, coconut oil and avocado hair mask recipe. I had the coconut oil and olive oil, but I was missing an avocado so off to Publix I went. Of course the olive and coconut oil mixed together well. The avocado on the other hand, I should have gotten an avocado that was softer or should have blended everything in a blender (didn't have one handy as we literally just moved into a new place.) Instead I mushed it with my hands...a fun process and I felt like a kid again.  However, when I started applying the mixture to my hair, there were chunks of avocado stuck in my hair and every time I moved my head they would go flying all around the apartment...I spent all day today cleaning the floors.

Hair after deep conditioning recipe on A GIrl's Gotta Spa! #haircare

I left the mixture in for about an hour then washed it in the shower (still had chunks of avocado all over the bathtub.)  My hair must have been extremely thirsty because I swear it sucked up the mixture.   After washing, I used my regular conditioner, then blow dried.  My hair looked a lot less damaged and shinier - usually after blow drying my hair is really frizzy, but not this time.   Try this DIY deep conditioning hair treatment. #haircare #DIYbeauty I know that with the state my hair is in it will take a few more of these homemade deep conditioning treatments to get it to where I want to be, but the fact that after just one treatment I saw a visible improvement makes me very hopeful. I will caution that if anyone decides to try this at home please be a lot more sensible than I was and use a blender. Also, don't have something on the stove while you're putting this in your hair or you might end up like me with healthier hair but a burnt dinner... Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!
 

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Review: Dr. Teals Foaming Bath

Gail Lewis7 comments

Dr. Teals Foaming Bath review

Like a lot of you, I am getting ready for swimsuit season by cleaning up my diet and hitting the gym extra hard and the days when I don't make it to the gym, I log in 3-5 miles running. The endorphins that I get from running and super intense workouts have been great mentally, but physically my muscles feel fatigued and sore (I have an evil trainer who never seems to feel any mercy.)

It seems as though the only way to relieve my tired and sore muscles is by either easing up on my workouts (not going to happen if my trainer has his way) or get regular massages (can get pretty expensive,) which I was seriously contemplating when lo and behold Dr. Teal's Foaming Bath made an appearance.

I was familiar with Dr. Teal's Epsom Salts, but never knew they also had a Foaming Bath product. The Foaming Baths combine Epsom salt with essential oils and are available in; Lavender (to soothe & sleep), and Eucalyptus Spearmint (for relax & relief) (as in relaxing and soothing tense muscles.)

So on Friday night after returning home from a gym session that was two hours long, I lugged my completely exhausted body to the bath tub and emptied a good sized amount of the Eucalyptus Spearmint Bath Foam into my bathtub (the bottle said 4-5 capfulls, but every movement hurt so I figured I needed more than recommended.)

a girl's gotta spa eucalyptus and spearmint body elixir

The scent was very relaxing, minty, but not overwhelming, I loved that my entire bathroom smelled like a spa, even after I had drained the water the scent still lingered, which was awesome (I wish they made candles as well in these scents.)

Not only did my bath smell great, it was foamy and mildly moisturizing.  I soaked for twenty minutes and had a difficult time leaving the bathtub because I was so relaxed I could barely move. My muscles did indeed feel less tense and fatigued without me having to dish out $100+ for a massage or having to negotiate with my trainer (not a fun process, since I know he would have traded a less intense workout for a more intense diet!)

I plan on keeping the Eucalyptus Spearmint Bath Foam on hand long after I have reached my goal for swimsuit season and will definitely give the other bath foams a try as well, they may be the most affordable physical and mental therapy I will ever undergo. 

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Review: MDSolarSciences Mineral Screen Lotion SPF 50

Shannon Smyth6 comments
When reflecting back on my memories of my 6-year old self, I recall sitting on the counter making chocolate chip and walnut homemade cookies in the kitchen of my Aunt Patty.  I was in love with her. She had a brilliant smile and at the time, she was my favorite aunt. My mind quickly moves to the next memory of sitting on her bedroom floor as she lay in her bed instructing my Uncle David to give me a small orange stuffed lion and an over-sized teddy bear (pictured.) They debated back and forth whether she should give me her comic book collection. They decided no because I was too young. I didn't understand why she was giving away her stuff to me. Next she asked me to go into the living room, sit on the couch and, "Do not turn around no matter what." Tell that to a 6 year old and what did I automatically do? As my beloved Aunt Patty, all of 29 years old, attempted to rush down the hall to the bathroom I snuck a peek at her. My eyes grew wide and my mouth fell open in horror. My aunt was bald. I quickly turned around and quietly cried. I could not comprehend what was happening. My memories are blurred for the month after that day and I remember all too well standing in a funeral home sobbing as I stared at my Aunt Patty in her casket. My mother told me to go tell my Uncle David that I was sorry for his loss...but I couldn't because who was sorry for my loss? My Aunt Patty died from Melanoma. A skin cancer that is the most common form of cancer for ages 25-29. Although you can get melanoma regardless of age, a person's risk for melanoma doubles if he or she has had more than 5 sunburns at any age.* (Skin Cancer Foundation) MDSolarSciences, a skin cancer prevention and sun protection company, was founded by leading dermatologic oncologist Dr. Robert J. Friedman. Not only does MDSolarSciences sell broad spectrum UVA and UVB sunscreen, but they also have clothing, eyewear (coming soon) and UV detection products AND they are committed to educating the public. I had a chance to try their Mineral Creme Broad Spectrum SPF 50, which is for both adults and children, as well as for those with sensitive skin. Upon first look, it is immediately clear that this sunscreen is like no other. It comes out of the tube like an aloe vera type lotion would--thin in consistency, but not too thin. When applied you will notice in an instant that this product is silky smooth...and the "white residue/ashy" look you are used to with typical sunscreens? Not happening with this one! As you smooth it over your skin, it disappears! And it is so lightweight, you honestly will forget you have it on! (But still remember to reapply every 2 hours when outdoors having fun in the sun!) There is no fragrance, which a long time ago as a teenager that typical coconut scent was everything--now protecting my skin trumps that. Every time I use sunscreen, I am always reminded of my aunt. Have you tried their sunscreens? If you want to protect others of the risk of skin cancer, please share this post with them. Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! for more beauty reviews! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

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2nd Review: eco-armour Shaving Foam

Gail Lewis1 comment
A few  months ago I reviewed eco-armour Shaving Foam and my review was less than stellar.  After using very creamy shaving lotions, creams, foams and gel, I was just not prepared for the consistency and feel of the eco-armour shaving foam...it was just too much of a radical departure from the "creamy crack" (to borrow the the terminology from the documentary "Good Hair.") Yes the eco-armour foam smelled amazing, is great for the environment, extended the life of my blade and (after using it just twice) visibly reduced my razor bumps....but in my mind there was something amiss...there was no creamy coating on my leg that I might almost slip on upon entrance or exit into the shower, and creamier equals moisturizing...right? So I equated the absence of any non-creamy substances in the eco-armour foam as the foam not being moisturizing and just being drying...this was my story and I was sticking to it... But I still had two bottles of the shaving foam and  I was not going to let it go to waste, plus I wanted to further investigate the reduction in the number of razor bumps on my legs.   I kept using the eco-armour shaving foam for the next month...and have been using it since.  This stuff is amazing!  I have not experienced razor bumps on my leg at all and this is without following the directions on the bottle (which suggests that the foam sit on the leg for a minute if you have  razor bump issues.)  I am not sure for how long the foam is supposed to extend the life of my blade, but I used the same razor for weeks (yes I know probably not a very hygienic practice...but I was on the road and drug stores were few and far between.)  I will admit it took me a little while to get used to the foam being more, well foamy than creamy, but now I absolutely love the feel and my razor does not get all clogged up with oil (neither does my shower drain), which gives me a much closer shave. And just when I thought this foam could not get better...it did.  I just recently found out that you can also use the foam as a face and body wash.  This past weekend I was in St. Augustine, Fl visiting friends and thought this would be the perfect time to test the multiple functions of the foam.  For three days I used the foam as my face and body wash as well as my shaving foam of course and I loved it as all three.  The only drawback was that I pretty much used up my entire bottle of the eucamint foam (my absolute favorite...smells heavenly!) Now with the arrival of shorts and swimsuit weather in Northern Florida, I am very pleased with myself for giving eco-armour a second chance.  Besides the benefit of having smooth, razor bump free legs and underarms as well as having a product that serves multiple functions (multiple functions also means less weight and space for my suitcase), I feel like I'm doing my little part for the environment by cleaning up my beauty act with the shaving foam. Which makes me ponder: can purchasing beauty products that are not harmful to the environment be a tax write-off? Find it at www.eco-armour.com.

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