Sunblock 101: SPF, Sunscreen vs Sunblock, Active Ingredients Explained

Summer has been with us for more than a month now and I hope everyone is having their daily dose of SPF! I have to admit, sometimes it's a hassle to apply sunscreen and skipping it is the easiest thing to do. But there are times when I come to my senses and realize that I have to give my skin some love and protect it from the harmful rays of the sun.  I have said this before and repeating it now, it is of grave importance to put sunscreen every single day or else your old age skin will have to pay for it.

Here are some must-knows about your sunblocks.

UVA vs UVB

UVB stands for Burn. It is the primary cause of sunburn. UVA stands for Aging. It goes deeper into the skin and causes premature photoaging and also sunburn at some extent. It is more potent in generating free radicals and causing oxidative damage to DNA and macromolecules.

Both UV rays are linked to skin cancer with UVB being the more carcinogenic between the two as it induces direct chemical damage to the DNA. UVA rays, however, is more abundant in sunlight and indirectly damages our DNA by producing free radicals whenever it is absorbed by other molecules which are endogenous photosensitizers.

SPF and UVA-PF

Sun Protection Factor is a measure of protection against UVB
The amount of UVB radiation blocked by SPF 15 is 93%, SPF 30 is 97%  and SPF 50 is 98%. Going beyond SPF 50 does not add a whole lot of protection. 

UVA stars (PA in North Asian countries) is a measure of protection against UVA. It is recommended to use sunblocks with UVA★★★ or PA +++ which delivers 60-80% protection from UVA rays.

With the statements above, we can simply say that SPF is for UVB rays while UVA stars/PA is for UVA rays.

Sunscreen vs Sunblock

Sunscreen and sunblock differs in the kind of protection it offers. The former being chemical and the latter, physical. It is both effective in blocking both UVA and UVB rays through different mechanisms.

Sunblock

• physical kind of protection
• The usual ingredients: zinc oxide & titanium oxide
• It leaves a white cast on the skin when applied
• It is good for sensitive skin

Sunscreen

• chemical kind of protection 
• usual ingredients: oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and octinoxate.
• No white cast
• Sensitive skin may react to some of its ingredients (like PABA)

A small table of the common ingredients in sunblock/sunscreen and their sun protecting properties

Application
Recent studies have shown that the following mode of application is effective: apply 20 minutes before sun exposure and reapply once within 1 hour.

Here are some promising products to try.

So there you have it! Whether you are simply running some errands or you are enjoying your favorite summer destination, remember to never skip the SPF! Love and protect your skin!

For comments, questions, and suggestions feel free to comment down below.

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Current Body Wash | De-stressing with Aveeno Stress Relief Body Wash

I have been showering multiple times a day lately because of the insanely hot and humid weather. I often use Safeguard Derma Sense hard soap on my body but once in a while, I pop this lavender-infused body wash into a loofa for an extra relaxing bath. Just smelling the product instantly calms me.

I purchased this from Beauty MNL for 430 php for 354mL of product. It has a gentle and non-irritating formula. The active ingredient is colloidal oatmeal which is known for its skin soothing properties. The lavender, chamomile, and ylang-ylang scents deliver the calming aromatherapy during bath time.

My only problem with this body wash is that it doesn’t feel rinsed due to its moisturizing properties. It reminds of some Dove soap way back with its old formulation. No matter how long I rinse myself, there is always this feeling of soap residue. The feeling usually disappears after I towel-dry.

This also doubles as a shaving cream which is a major plus!

This is perfect for baths before sleeping especially if you have difficulty dozing off. The lavender scent is known to help induce sleep. I even use this before nap time during weekends to achieve all-out relaxation.

Here are other Aveeno products I wish to try: 

They can all be found at Beauty MNL and your leading grocery stores.

Have you tried any Aveeno products? What are your favorites? 

April Skincare Haul | New Items to Try: Clinique, Origins, First Aid Beauty

Skincare Haul

For the next few weeks, these are the skincare items I will be trying on my face. The brands included are Clinique, Origins, and First Aid Beauty. I haven't tried the former two products mentioned and I am very excited to review them all. 

Here are the list of the items:

Life Lately | Accendere 2014, Gastronomic Discoveries, and Doses of Netflix

This blog needs a little lifestyle update. This post might threw you off a bit from the usual beauty post but Lights & Latte is a beauty and lifestyle blog. I also wanted to share a part of my daily experiences and chronicle it here at my blog. So without further babbling, here’s what I’ve been up to for the past week including places I’ve dined at and a show I am obsessed with currently.

Accendere 2014

I attended my batch yearbook launch. Our yearbook is called Accendere 2014. Accendere is an Italian word which means to light and 2014 is the year we graduated. The yearbook cover was designed by no other than my talented boyfriend Aldrin. It’s a calligram of a Blue Eagle with the phrase “No Atenean Left Behind” which is our school’s dictum in aiming for 100% every medical board exams.  We had a mini reunion. Food and drinks were overflowing.

Too Faced Cosmetics: Now at Sephora PH!

I checked my inbox earlier today and was delighted with what Sephora announced. It is now carrying Too Faced cosmetics! If you are not yet familiar with this brand, let me give you a brief background.

Image by Sephora.ph

Image by Sephora.ph

Too Faced cosmetics was founded in 1998 by the couple Jerrod Blandino and Jeremy Johnson. In the mid '90s, Blandino used to work at Estée Lauder make up counter at Saks Fifth Avenue. He would play around with make up samples, crush and mix them together, sometimes melting them with microwave, creating his uniquely designed items. Blandino used to call his clients "Too Faced" (I'm assuming two-faced?) since their sweet smile turns into a sour frown whenever he was out of their favorite lipstick. That's where the company name came from.

Their first collection instantly carried by Sephora (US), Nordstrom, and Fred Segal and was featured in Vogue.

Image by makeupandbeautyblog.com

Quick Facts

• Too Faced created the world's first glitter eye shadow
• They are cruelty-free
• Too Faced mascot is the couple's pooch Clover
• They support the Best Friends Animal Society
• Their Teddy Bear Hair brushes is 100% cruelty-free and made of synthetic bristles
• Best selling products: Better Than Sex mascara, Chocolate Soleil matte bronzer, Chocolate Bar eyeshadow collection,  Born This Way foundation, Melted lipsticks, Teddy Bear Hair brushes

Here are my Too Faced Wishlist:

Dark Chocolate Soleil P1619 | Better Than Sex Mascara P1349

Bright Red Lips by Sephora Lip Liner To Go in Ruby

This Sephora Lip Liner To Go in the shade Ruby is an impulse buy and I use it if I want to rock bold red lips. I purchased it at Sephora for only 335 pesos. I never owned a lipstick with a bright red shade so I decided to start with a lip liner for now and see if it works for me. I either use it to contour my lips and fill it in with a brownish-red lipstick or use it on its own for a semi-matte finish. 

Why use a lip liner?

• It adds definition to the lips. It is the road to the perfect cupid's bow.
• It prolongs a lipstick's staying power. 
• It prevents bleeding or feathering which is particularly useful when using dark lipsticks. 
• It is suggested to not only use a lip liner as an outline but as a base for the entire lips before applying lipstick. 
• Lip liners, especially the nude ones, are a nice alternative for those who are lipstick averse 

Application

You may check out this blog post for a blow by blow guide on how to use a lip liner:

How to Apply Lip Liner Properly and Enhance Your Lips by YouQueen.com

Ingredients:

Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Synthetic Wax, Zeolite, CI 15850 (Red 7 Lake), Mica, Stearyl Dimethicone, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Hydrogenated Polydicyclopentadiene, Polyethylene, Diisostearyl Malate, CI 77491 (Iron Oxides), CI 77499 (Iron Oxides), Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Shea Butter.

The formula is silky and very pigmented. It glides easily and is moisturizing due to Jojoba Seed Oil and Shea Butter. Another good thing about this product is the travel-friendly size.

The shade is bright red with orange undertones

This is how it looks on my lips. The lip color is something I won't be able to use everyday but it will definitely add a punch of bright and bold lips when you need one. The finish is semi-matte and it transfers lightly. The staying power is around 4 hours but it comes off when eating. Another good thing about this product, it's not tested on animals.

How about you? Do you like bright red for your lips? Share your favorite lip liner brands and shades at the comment section below.

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The First #BenefitxSaladbox Beauty Soirée

It’s the Saladbox x Benefit Cosmetics Beauty Soirée! This time, I’m sharing it with my friends and other Benebabes!

Last Friday, April 15, 2016, we braved the Friday-Payday traffic to attend the Saladbox Beauty Soiree at Benefit, Central Square, BGC. My friend and I arrived pretty early so we grabbed some late lunch at Salad Stop! After enjoying our Chicken Caesar wrap over some catching up, we went back and registered.

Image by @saladboxph

We arrived just in time when they were giving out the instructions on how to get Benefit freebies. The instructions were pretty simple, create a look using the Benefit products. Take a photo of the event and a selfie of your Benefit #FOTD and upload it on Instagram with the hashtags #SaladboxBeautySoiree #Saladboxph #Benefitxsaladbox. So expectedly, everybody, myself included went gaga over the items. I was able to squeeze myself into the crowd and grabbed some make up from the counter. Since I already have foundation on my face before coming to the event, I just added the blush Dallas on my cheeks, Dandelion lip gloss on my lips, They’re Real Blue mascara, and some neutral eye shadows. I cheated a little since I used my own Real Techniques brush because I don’t think it’s sanitary to use the brushes displayed. After finishing my uber simple look, we lined up for the brow mapping which was rad!

So here are our #FOTD selfies and some photos from the event.

A screenshot from the video of brow mapping with my fellow Tita, Caye.

We scored some sample products just by presenting the Instagram photos. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to take photos of the freebies we got since we were so busy laughing and experiencing the event.

I had a blast and there’s never a dull moment bonding with friends over makeup! I am excited for my April box (VMV products) and the next Saladbox event!

Saladbox PH

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Naturally Flushed Cheeks with Benefit Lollitint

"pop of dreamy sweetness"

The Benefit Lollitint is a product I often reach to if I want flushed cheeks without looking so made up. It's a multitasking lip and cheek tint perfect for low maintenance mornings. It comes in a nail polish-like tube much like its older sister Benefit Benetint. The shade is described as orchid-pink and it applies pretty sheer which gives my cheeks a naturally flushed look. 

How I use it:

I paint two stripes on one cheek and blend it with my fingers. Then I repeat on the other side. I have also seen others put it on a brush first before applying on their cheeks. I bet tapping it with a beauty blender onto cheeks would work too. Using my fingers though is my preferred method of application. 

Hit:

I love how it sets on my cheeks like I’m blushing. Imagine your cheeks after exercising for 30 minutes, that’s the look it gives on my cheeks. I love how fuss-free the application is. All I do is swipe and blend with my fingers. As for its staying power, it lasted for 3-4 8 (eight) hours on me on this summer weather.

Miss:

The only struggle I have with this items is that it dries up quick on my cheeks so I need to blend it right away. I remembered when I initially used it. I applied three dots on both cheeks and when I tried blending it with my fingers it just wouldn’t blend anymore. It already settled into three dots on my cheeks making me look like Wendy (of Wendy’s fast food chain). My tip would be to blend it immediately after application, one cheek at a time. 

When swiped and blended

 I mostly use it on my cheeks since I am not a fan of it as a lip tint due to its sheerness on the lips. I often pair it with nude lips. For the look below, I used Revlon Color Burst Matte lippie in Sultry. 

Saladbox March 2016 Unboxing: Saladbox PH x Benefit Cosmetics | #benefitxsaladbox

This pink box is nothing but love!

I have never tried any subscription boxes before and Saladbox PH caught my attention with their collaboration with Benefit Cosmetics. Imagine all those Benefit Cosmetics items for only P500 per box. You have to order a minimum of three months’ worth of subscription to subscribe.

The thing with Saladbox, and I think most of the subscribers will agree, is that they have a little trouble with delivery. I received my March box only last April 8. Subscribers are not happy as I browse through their Instagram comments. As for me, I don't mind waiting but it can get a little frustrating. 

The box is really worth the wait. It contains one full sized item and a few deluxe samples. 

Contents:
Benefit Rockateur Box o’ Powder – Full sized
Benefit They’re Real! Tinted Lash Primer – deluxe sample
Benefit They’re Real! Lengthening Mascara – deluxe sample
Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow Foundation – deluxe sample
Benefit Brow Wax Gift Card (free waxing worth PhP650)

The full sized Rockateur alone costs P1,600 and the free waxing is P650. So those items alone costs 300% more than what you paid for. For the month of April they are featuring VMV Hypoallergenics which is a brand I also trust. If you want to try luxe brands for only P500 and you have the patience to put up with delivery delays then go ahead and subscribe. It's honestly a good deal!

Saladbox PH

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5 Things to Do on a Lazy Sunday at Home

I am the kind of person who likes spending a day in my weekend at home. It's important for me to designate one day in a week to just relax, recollect my thoughts, and gather myself together to reflect, re-energize, and prepare for another week ahead. There's no better place to do these than at your own sanctuary, your home. 

1. Organize your closet

Some find it relaxing and satisfying to simplify their closet at least once a week. Get rid of what you don't wear anymore. Hang what needs to be hung and fold what needs to be folded. You may also plan a rough draft of what you will wear for the coming week. This will reduce your stress of trying to decide what to wear in the morning.

2. Catch up on your favorite online reads

I bookmark my favorite blogs and visit them on weekends for a punch of inspiration. I do this with a cup of tea and some snack. 

3. Get lost in a book

It's also nice to sink into your novels and be away from the online world. I also love reading Lifestyle and Beauty magazines for a boost of inspiration. I am still on a self-help book binge lately and it's astounding how much I learn from them.

4. Pamper yourself

You can paint your nails, soak your face in masks while listening to music, take a long bath with scented candles, or get a massage. This is the time to be out of a beauty rut if you are in one. Also try to sneak in beauty naps to recover some hours of sleep you lost the previous week.

5. Plan for the week

I simply list my to-do's on my phone or on my planner so I get a better view of what I need to finish for the coming week. Also, reviewing the past week in retrospect brings a sense of accomplishment. You can also plan your weekly budget during this time to avoid unnecessary expenses and overspending.

6. Bonus: Catch up on your fave TV series

I know I only said 5 but I will be a hypocrite if I don't put this one here. While I don't recommend this because it will eat up most of your Sunday, this is definitely one of my guilty pleasures. I do a TV series marathon once in a while and lately I have started Drop Dead Diva. I am currently on episode 8 of Season 1 and I am loving every bit of it.

That was the top five, well six, of the things I do on a lazy Sunday at home. Honestly though, you can do anything you want. If sleeping all day makes you feel fresh and energized, then you can do that too! Let me know what lazy Sunday activities you do by commenting down below. 

Happy Sunday everyone!

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FAB & Moisturized! | First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream

The First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair cream has been my skin's best friend whenever it needs a moisture fix. I got this from Sephora last month and it has been residing on my purse ever since. I have been hearing good things about it and I can attest to the claims. I opted to get the tube packaging and not the jar one because of one, hygienic purposes and two, to protect the product from oxidizing and losing its properties due to heat and air exposure.

About First Aid Beauty

This company is discovered by Lilli Gordon in 2009. It offers skincare products which are dermatologist-tested, paraben-free, fragrance-free, and cruelty-free. 

Product Description

DELIVERS EXCEPTIONAL HYDRATION AND PROTECTION WITH NO GREASY PETROLEUM

FAB Ultra Repair® Cream is a thick, rich, emollient product that hydrates deep down with exceptional penetration. With the help of colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, soothing eucalyptus oil and ceramides, FAB Ultra Repair® Cream provides immediate relief and visible improvement for distressed skin. FAB Antioxidant Booster is there to defend skin from free radical damage. Ultra Repair® Cream can be used all over the body and on the face. 

Featured Ingredients:

SKIN PROTECTANT: Colloidal Oatmeal

HEAL/SOOTHE: Allantoin, Eucalyptus Oil

COMBAT FREE RADICALS: FAB Antioxidant Booster

MOISTURIZE/BARRIER PROTECTION: Ceramides, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Squalane, Shea Butter

Ingredients:

Colloidal Oatmeal, Water, Stearic Acid, Glycerin, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Cetearyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Squalane, Allantoin, Sodium Hydroxide, Dimethicone, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Butylene Glycol, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Ceramide 3

The lightweight formula with a hint of eucalyptus scent is easily absorbed and not sticky. Immediately after I apply it on my hands, I notice an added glow and pinkish healthy hue on my hands. It also becomes smooth and supple instantly. It's always on my bag so whenever I remember it, I pop it out and use it. I don't use it all over my body but I use it on my hands and legs where it gets really dry and scaly at times. I highly recommend it.

Beauty Directory

First Aid Beauty

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Burt's Bees Natural Anti-Blemish Solutions Skincare Line | Product Focus

I am amazed with Burt’s Bees not only because of their products but also for their history and what the brand represents. This post is all about Burt's Bees Natural Anti-blemish Solutions line including the clarifying cleanser, toner, and moisturizer. This product was from the loot bag I got from Project Vanity’s 8^th Anniversary event.

Burt’s Bees History & Background

The company was started in 1984 by Maine artist Roxanne Quimby and bee farmer Burt Shavitz. It started as a store in Maine selling artistic candles made of leftover beeswax from Burt’s honeybees. Seven years into the business, Roxanne perfects a recipe found in a 19^th century farmer’s journal  for Burt’s Bees Beeswax lip balm in 1991. The brand decided to focus on health and beauty care in 1994. Since then the business became larger and went global. The brand launched several campaigns and policies such as The Greater Good & Wild Bees while winning awards on the side such as becoming #1 ImagePower Green Brands Survey – all of which aims to promote production of environment-friendly, natural, cruelty-free, and zero-waste products. Even their packaging is made of recycled materials.

The Burt's Bees Natural Anti-Blemish Solutions Line

Also known as Anti-Acne Solutions in some country, this line was launched in 2010.

Burt's Bees Anti-Blemish Solutions™, formulated with Salicylic Acid derived naturally from Willow Bark Extract, penetrates pores to reduce acne and prevent future breakouts. We offer our best natural acne products including: purifying cleanser, pore scrub, clarifying toner, acne moisturizing lotion and spot treatments. Dermatologist-tested and non-comedogenic, our natural acne remedies promote clear, smooth and healthy-looking skin.

Though I have read that salicylic acid per se is not derived from Willow Bark. Willow Bark contains salicin which may be converted to salicylic acid when ingested but not when applied topically. I guess the products does include salicylic acid but is an ingredient separate from the Willow Bark extract.

Here are the three products included in the loot bag.

1. Anti-Blemish Purifying Daily Cleanser

Php 850 | From cleanser to clearer

Our best acne face wash is clinically proven to help cleanse away acne-causing bacteria, excess oil and impurities without overdrying or irritating skin. Salicylic Acid, derived naturally from Willow Bark Extract, penetrates pores to help reduce acne and prevent future breakouts, while Evening Primrose and Beet Root Extracts help calm acne-prone skin. The result is naturally clear and healthy looking skin.

I don’t use this daily as my skin is not acne-prone but I have used it a couple of times and I love the smell. It was citrusy and zesty with a hint of ginger and lemon grass. The product has a very low viscosity and you only need a few drops of it every use. The color reminds me of honey. It lathers into a light foam and it cleanses without stripping your skin of moisture. It did not irritate my skin. No break outs as well.

Ingredients:

Salicylic Acid (1.0%), water, decyl glucoside, lauryl glucoside, sucrose laurate, salix nigra (willow) bark extract, coco-betaine, betaine, beta vulgaris (beet) root extractoenothera biennis (evening primrose) leaf extract, sodium cocoyl hydrolyzed soy protein, hydroxypropyltrimonium honey, glycerin, glyceryl oleate, coco-glucoside, fragrance, glucose, alcohol denat., glucose oxidase, lactoperoxidase, citric acid sodium chloride, phenoxyethanol

2. Anti-Blemish Clarifying Toner

Php 950 | Clean skin clarified. Formulated with skin-clarifying Witch Hazel and Lemongrass, known for its astringent properties, our best acne facial toner removes lingering traces of cleanser, dirt, oil and make-up. Our clarifying toner also has Salicylic Acid, derived naturally from Willow Bark Extract, to penetrate pores, reduce acne and prevent future breakouts. The result is naturally clear, healthy-looking skin.

I am a little iffy with this toner because it contains alcohol. I use this twice to thrice a week as an alternate for my Mario Badescu glycolic acid toner. I use this when I have to apply Tretinoin at night. I am all in for the Witch Hazel and lemongrass in this one as I believe in their astringent properties.

Ingredients: 

Salicylic Acid (1.0%), aqua (water, eau), alcohol denat., glycerin, salix nigra (willow) bark extract, parfum (fragrance), cymbopogon schoenanthus extract, equisetum hiemale extracthamamelis virginiana (witch hazel) leaf extract, humulus lupulus (hops) extract, hydrastis canadensis (goldenseal) extract, glucose, sodium chloride, glucose oxidase, lactoperoxidase, citral, geraniol, limonene, linalool

3. Anti-Blemish Daily Moisturizing Lotion

Php 1450 | Clearly moisturized. Our best moisturizer for acne is lightweight and clinically proven to help control oil and protect against blemishes without irritating your skin. Formulated with Lemongrass, Witch Hazel, Goldenseal and Hops, our daily moisturizing lotion helps calm irritation. Resulting in clear, smooth, healthy looking skin. Naturally.

I love the texture of this moisturizer. The smell strangely reminds me of almonds with a hint of lemon grass, which is pleasant for me. I love how lightweight it is. It is easily absorbed by my skin. It can be worn under makeup but it made me shine at the end of the day.

Ingredients:

Salicylic Acid (1.0%), water, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, glycerin, stearic acid, sucrose distearate, salix nigra (willow) bark extract, sucrose stearate, cymbopogon schoenanthus (lemongrass) extracthamamelis virginiana (witch hazel) water, humulus lupulus (hops) extract, equisetum hiemale (horsetail) leaf extract, hydrastis canadensis (golden seal) extract, epilobium fleischeri (gravel willow) extract, lecithin chrondrus crispus (carrageenan) extract, fragrance, glucose, xanthan gum, sodium borate, sodium chloride, glucose oxidase, lactoperoxidase