Paula Begoun the Cosmetics Cop Top 10 list of best beauty buys

Get Rid of Facial Hair -- Stat!

Find out all the different forms of hair removal and pick the one that's right for you

This is a TotalBeauty.com hair removal article Because of the stigma sometimes associated with facial hair, you can become self-conscious, suffer from self-esteem issues and/or become reluctant to enter into a romantic relationship. But, don't despair! Check out these options on removing facial hair now. Find out

Hey Gorgeous! Enjoy these timely tips from Paula Begoun-she knows her stuff! Visit her at www.beautypedia.com for more information!
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Searching for the perfect shade of red lipstick or that must-have waterproof mascara can make for an exciting Saturday outing with the girls. That is, as long as you know what you’re looking for. Today, the options are endless, and unless you have an unlimited budget, you’re probably unable (or unwilling) to try every product available. That’s where Paula Begoun comes to the rescue. Together with her Cosmetics Cop Team, the international best-selling author and skin-care expert has just released her special report touting the best makeup buys on the market today regardless of lifestyle or budget.

“Makeup can be a powerful tool,” says Begoun. “That’s probably because makeup delivers such instant gratification.” It’s so true. Swipe on a new lipstick or blush, and your whole mood can change for the better. Find that perfect foundation for your oily skin, and you’re ready to sing its praises to whoever will listen. It boils down to this: The right makeup can be transforming by making you feel beautiful. And when you feel beautiful, your whole outlook changes—for the better!

Of course, for all the excitement makeup stirs, there are just as many questions: Which products are the best? Which are worth the splurge? Which ones will make me look the most gorgeous (with the least effort and time) day in and day out? That’s where the following report will prove invaluable. Keep reading to learn Paula’s 10 Makeup Commandments, as well as the best cosmetics with reasons why Paula and the Cosmetics Cop Team recommend them so highly.


Paula Begoun’s 10 Makeup Commandments

1.Expensive Doesn’t Mean Better! There are good and bad products in all price categories, and there are brilliant inexpensive products you should absolutely consider before going for the expensive stuff.
2.Shop With A Clean Slate! If you plan to test foundation or concealer, visit the store or salon with a clean, bare face that’s prepped for makeup application, or be willing to take off the makeup you have on.
3.The Right Light is Key! Always check foundation, concealer and powder colors in natural light. Department store lighting is deceiving; what looks perfect under artificial light can look glaringly wrong in broad daylight.
4.Tone Down the Shine! Be careful with shiny blush and eyeshadow. Generally, for daytime makeup, a blush with a matte finish or just a hint of sheen works best. Shinier makeup is best reserved for evening use or special occasions.
5.It’s All in the Tools! Whenever possible, test powder-based products (e.g., blush, eyeshadow) with the appropriate brushes. Avoid sponge-tip applicators for eyeshadows and those cheap, super-tiny brushes often packaged with powder blushes.
6.Protect Those Peepers & Lips! Never test mascara or liquid eyeliner in the store. Even if the brand offers disposable applicators, you don’t know how many people have double-dipped, how old the testers are, or how contaminated they may be. We know it’s a pain, but for the health of your eyes, it’s best to purchase these products and test them at home. The same is true when it comes to lip glosses. Most glosses have sponge-tip or brush applicators that can harbor germs from other people. It’s best to swipe the gloss on the top of your hand so you can get a sense of how the color “reads” on your skin and can assess its texture and finish.
7.Smack On Lips, Not Germs! Before you test a lipstick on your lips, have a salesperson sanitize it for you with an alcohol-based spray. Lipsticks at the counter can become contaminated with germs and microbes that you don’t want near your mouth. No alcohol spray? Then wipe off several layers of lipstick with a clean tissue or have the sales associate “shave” off the top portion of the lipstick with a disposable spatula.
8.Take Cues from the Pros! See a cosmetics salesperson whose makeup you admire? Ask them for application tips, especially if their skin tone is similar to yours. Chances are good you’ll pick up some great tips and begin to feel more confident about selecting the best colors for your needs.
9.When In Doubt, Take It Back and Try Again! If you buy a product that doesn’t work for you, don’t be afraid to take it back. Almost all drugstores and mass-market stores (think Rite Aid and Wal-Mart) will provide a complete refund on cosmetics purchases if you have the receipt—even if the item has been used.
10.Bye, Bye Blues! Lastly, as stated in Paula’s first book, Blue Eyeshadow Should Be Illegal, AVOID blue eyeshadow. Unless it’s a deep navy, which can almost pass for black, most shades of blue are difficult to work with. Plus, they do not play up blue eyes; actually, the opposite is true. The same goes for any eyeshadow shade that’s too colorful, including orange, green, fuchsia, teal and especially red, which can make your eye area look inflamed rather than attractive. Not ready to give up such shades? Think of the fashion magazine covers you’ve admired, and then ask yourself: How many of those models or celebrities were sporting bright, colorful eye designs?
The Best of the Best
The following is a partial list of products that not only rated extremely high for performance but also really impressed Paula Begoun and The Cosmetics Cop team. Given how many thousands of makeup products Paula and her team review annually, rest assured that these are among the best of the best. For the complete reviews and lists of the best products in every makeup category, please visit Beautypedia.com on your computer or mobile phone FREE for a limited time!
1.Boots No7 Cheek Tint ($9.99)
•Generously-sized cream-to-powder blush that can go from sheer to intense
•Application is super-easy and all of the colors are gorgeous
2.M.A.C. Haute & Naughty Lash ($18.00)
•Two mascaras in one component, each with impressive, distinctive effects
•Wears beautifully yet is easy to remove
3.Sephora Rouge Cream Lipstick ($12.00)
•Elegantly smooth cream texture imparts rich color
•Brilliant range of shades without garish frost or sparkles
4.Neutrogena Healthy Skin Custom Glow Blush & Bronzer ($12.49)
•Beautiful pressed powder blush and bronzer in one sleek compact
•Looks great when used separately or together
5.Victoria’s Secret VS Makeup Soft Focus Liquid Foundation SPF 20 ($16.00)
•Outstanding sun protection from gentle mineral actives
•Supremely silky with a satin glow finish to enliven dry skin
6.Maybelline New York Lash Stiletto Voluptuous Mascara Waterproof ($8.49)
•A waterproof mascara that does everything right, but nothing too extreme
•Quickly enhances lashes, then wears without a worry
7.Revlon Luxurious Color Satin Eye Shadow ($4.99)
•Powder eyeshadow singles that’s shine done right
•No matter how much you apply, the shine won’t flake!
8.Revlon Age Defying Moisturizing Concealer SPF 25 ($8.99)
•Creamy, eye-area concealer with broad-spectrum sun (and wrinkle) protection
•Provides great coverage without magnifying the look of lines
9.Physician’s Formula Healthy Wear SPF 50 Powder Foundation ($14.95)
•A powerhouse of potent sun protection to help prevent wrinkles and discolorations
•Enviably smooth texture with a soft, flattering matte finish
10.N.Y.C (New York Color) Extreme Lip Glider Lip Gloss ($3.00)
•One of the least expensive lip glosses with a smooth, non-sticky texture
•Enticing range of sheer colors in a convenient squeeze tube for quick application
BONUS: Paula’s Choice Illicit Lash Maximum Impact Mascara ($10.95)

•Nimble rubber-bristled brush reaches each and every lash fast
•Brilliant way to get longer, defined lashes with a soft curl
Want to know if one of your favorites got a top rating? Visit Beautypedia.com FREE through February for a complete list of the best makeup and skin care.




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Remember: you are beautiful! Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

Paula Begoun the Cosmetics Cop shares best anti-aging products!

Your Guide to Beautiful Hands

Want smooth, supple hands that will make your guy never want to let go? Thought so

This is a TotalBeauty.com skin care article It's actually easy to get smooth, beautiful hands at home -- we'll show you how. Get tips

Hello gorgeous! Enjoy this report on the best 2011 beauty products for anti-aging!

Anti-Aging Superstars: Ingredients with Real Results
A Special Report by Paula Begoun, The Cosmetics Cop

Paula Begoun, skincare expert and best-selling author of Don’t Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, reveals her list of the top anti-aging ingredients and products. Complete reviews of the top-rated makeup and skin care products are available on her Beautypedia.com website. Access it FREE for a limited time!


Each year hundreds, if not thousands, of new anti-aging beauty products are launched around the world. Touting the latest advancements and ingredients, they promise to reduce wrinkles, minimize sun damage and turn back the hands of time to give users the skin they had in their 20s. The truth is, many of these products don’t come close to their marketing claims and consumers ends up disappointed.

“You can’t read into all the hype you see in print and TV advertisements for beauty products,” says Paula Begoun, skincare expert and international best-selling author of Don’t Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me. “’Anti-aging’ can mean anything the consumer thinks it means, which most often is far more than what any skin-care product can provide.”

Anti-aging and anti-wrinkle are powerful buzzwords that capture the attention of consumers the world over, yet there’s no standard that defines them. Of the thousands of anti-aging and anti-wrinkle products, the inevitable question has to be: Which companies are overhyping their claims and which are providing options that actually deliver on their promises? Someone is being deceitful because if all the claims were true it wouldn’t matter which product you bought; a five dollar cream from the drugstore or the $500 night serum from the department store would produce the same anti-aging results.

The good news is that consumers have a number of options—aside from surgery—which still deliver dramatic results to make their skin look and act younger. But instead of focusing on the brand name and marketing claims it’s important that consumers look for products containing ingredients that have a proven track record of producing noticeable, cumulative improvements in wrinkles and other signs of aging.

Let the Informed Anti-Aging Shopping Begin!
There are hundreds of brilliant ingredients that show up in well-formulated skin-care products, but those on the list below have lots of impressive research behind them. When shopping for products with these ingredients don’t stress about finding one that contains all of them. Not only is that next to impossible, but in the case of certain ingredients – like glycolic or salicylic acid – having them in every product would be too much of a good thing.

The A-List of Anti-Aging Ingredients

•AHAs and BHA –Take Skin Beyond Smooth: AHAs are best for normal to dry or sun-damaged skin because they help bind moisture and improve healthy collagen production and smooth an uneven skin texture. BHA is best for normal to oily or breakout-prone skin while also being excellent for reducing redness from rosacea.
•Top rated AHA products include:
•DHC Renewing AHA Cream ($39 for 1.5 ounces)
•Paula’s Choice RESIST Daily Smoothing Treatment ($24.95 for 1.7 ounces)
•Olay Regenerist Night Resurfacing Elixir ($29.99 for 1.7 ounces)
Click here to see more top-rated AHA exfoliants on Beautypedia.com
•Top rated BHA products include:
•Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control 3-In-1 Hydrating Acne Treatment ($7.99 for 2 ounces)
•Paula’s Choice 1% Beta Hydroxy Acid Lotion ($18.95 for 4 ounces)
•Paula’s Choice 2% Beta Hydroxy Acid Liquid ($18.95 for 4 ounces)
Click here to see more top-rated BHA exfoliants on Beautypedia.com
•Retinol – Vitamin A for Anti-Aging: Applied to skin, retinol is a beneficial cell-communicating ingredient and an antioxidant. Simply put, it helps skin cells create better, healthier skin cells while increasing the amount of skin-support substances. Retinol has been shown to increase the skin’s collagen production and glycosaminoglycans content, resulting in firmer skin with an improved texture and enhanced barrier function.
•Top-rated products with retinol include:
•BeautiControl Regeneration Overnight Retinol Recovery Serum ($45 for 1 ounce)
•Paula’s Choice RESIST Barrier Repair Moisturizer ($22.95 for 1.7 ounces)
•RoC Multi-Correxion Night Treatment ($24.99 for 1 ounce)
Click here to see more top-rated retinol products on Beautypedia.com
•Vitamin C – “C” the Difference it Makes: One of the most well-researched and beneficial vitamins you can apply topically is vitamin C. It has been shown to increase collagen production (including dermal collagen, which is significant for wrinkle reduction), reduce the appearance of skin discolorations, strengthen skin’s barrier response, enhance skin’s repair process, reduce inflammation and help skin better withstand exposure to sunlight, whether protected by sunscreen or not.
•Top-rated products with vitamin C include:
•Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hydra-Pure Vitamin C Brightening Serum ($95 for 1 ounce)
•Paula’s Choice RESIST Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum ($24.95 for 1 ounce)
•Cosmedicine Triple P Serum Daily Advanced Care Antioxidant and Multi-Nutrient Treatment ($65 for 1 ounce)
Click here to see more top-rated products containing Vitamin C on Beautypedia.com
•Vitamin E – In a League of its Own: Vitamin E, in all of its forms, works in several different ways including helping to protect cell membranes from oxidative damage and preventing collagen from being destroyed. It also works in powerful synergy with vitamin C. Vitamin E on an ingredient label may be listed as tocopheryl acetate, tocopheryl linoleate, tocotrienols, alpha tocopherol and tocopheryl succinate.
•Top-rated products with vitamin E include:
•Mary Kay TimeWise Even Complexion Essence ($35 for 1 ounce)
•M.A.C. Studio Moisture Fix SPF 15 ($29.50 for 1.7 ounces)
•Paula’s Choice Skin Recovery Toner ($15.95 for 6 ounces)
Click here to see more top-rated products containing Vitamin E on Beautypedia.com
•Niacinamide – Vitamin B at its Best: Niacinamide is the active component of vitamin B3. When applied topically, niacinamide has been shown to increase ceramide and free fatty acid levels in skin, prevent skin from losing water content and stimulate microcirculation in the dermis. It also has a growing reputation for being able to lighten skin discolorations and reduce acne.
•Top-rated products with niacinamide include:
•CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM ($13.99 for 3 ounces)
•Olay Regenerist Regenerating Serum Fragrance-Free ($19.49 - 1.7 oz.)
•Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Moisture Gel ($18.95 for 2 ounces)
Click here to see more top-rated products with niacinamide on Beautypedia.com
•Green tea: There are four major antioxidant components of green tea, of which Epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG) is the most abundant and biologically active. Green tea works to reduce inflammation, build collagen and reduce cell damage by impeding the harmful effects of sun exposure. EGCG, when found in cosmetics, is a more potent, stable way to get the antioxidant benefit on skin.
•Top-rated products with green tea include:
•Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Supplement ($65 for 1 ounce)
•Dr. Denese New York Hydra-Pure Firming Serum ($95 for 1 ounce)
•Paula’s Choice RESIST Barrier Repair Moisturizer ($22.95 for 1.7 ounces)
Click here to see more top-rated products with green tea on Beautypedia.com
•Resveratrol: Like any antioxidant, resveratrol has incredible protective benefits for skin. When applied topically, resveratrol protects against sun damage, improves collagen synthesis and reduces cell damage. It is a stable, potent antioxidant worth finding in a skin-care product.
•Top-rated products with resveratrol include:
•Cosmedicine MegaDose Skin Fortifying Serum ($80 for 1 ounce)
•Dr. Denese New York FirmaTone Rx Eye Puff and Circle Minimizer ($36 for 0.2 ounce)
Click here to see more top-rated products with resveratrol on Beautypedia.com
•Grape seed: Grape seed has been shown to be a potent antioxidant that significantly reduces free-radical damage. Combining it with other antioxidants greatly enhances its efficacy. It also has wound-healing properties. Regardless of the type of grape, it has antioxidant potential. For fighting wrinkles, it is one of the top superstars.
•Top-rated products with grape seed include:
•Caudalie Paris Vinosource Riche Anti-Wrinkle Ultra Nourishing Cream ($50 for 1.3 ounces)
•Estee Lauder Perfectionist [CP+] Wrinkle Lifting Serum ($55 for 1 ounce)
•Paula’s Choice Slip Into Silk Body Lotion ($16.95 for 7 ounces)
Click here to see more top-rated products with grape seed on Beautypedia.com
•Curcuminoids: The curcuminoids are the major active constituents of the spice turmeric. Curcumin is but one of these components, and is chemically known as diferuloylmethane. It has potent anti-inflammatory properties, both internally and externally. The curcuminoids also have potent antioxidant ability and work to suppress excess melanin production in the presence of sunlight. They gain anti-aging superstar status due to their multiple benefits in addressing the underlying factors – chronic inflammation, irritation and sun damage – that cause skin to look older and become less able to repair itself.
•Top-rated products with curcuminoids include:
•Osmotics TriCeram ($32 for 3.4 ounces)
•Paula’s Choice Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum ($24.95 for 1 ounce)
•Clinique Super Rescue Antioxidant Night Moisturizer ($42.50 for 1.7 ounces)
Click here to see more top-rated products containing curcuminoids / curcumin on Beautypedia.com
•Soy isoflavones/extract): Soy and its components have an amazing amount of research showing them to be powerful antioxidants that are extremely beneficial for skin. Studies show that these derivatives inhibit environmental damage, reduce irritation, improve skin texture, build collagen and fight sun damage.
•Top-rated products with soy include:
•Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Concentrate Recovery Boosting Treatment ($85 for 1 ounce)
•Paula’s Choice Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 15 & Antioxidants ($20.95 for 2 ounces)
•SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex ($53 for 1 ounce)
Click here to see more top-rated products containing soy on Beautypedia.com

•Pomegranate: Topical application of products containing the antioxidant pomegranate may improve the appearance of wrinkled skin by reducing inflammation and forestalling further damage. Research also shows that an extract from pomegranate peel has an inhibitory effect on the collagen-depleting substance, MMP-1.
•Top-rated products with pomegranate include:
•Estee Lauder Nutritious Vita-Mineral Lotion ($36 for 1.7 ounces)
•Jane Iredale Pom Mist ($17.50 for 2 ounces)
•Paula’s Choice HydraLight Moisture-Infusing Lotion ($18.95 for 2 ounces)
Click here to see more top-rated best products containing pomegranate on Beautypedia.com
•Ceramides: This ingredient makes up about 20 percent of the skin’s intercellular matrix – the “glue” that holds skin cells together – helping skin maintain its appearance while protecting it. When the skin’s “matrix,” also known as its outer barrier, is impaired due to sun damage, a dry environment or irritating skin-care products, ceramides decrease, leaving the skin vulnerable. Replenishing the skin’s ceramide content is a powerful way to protect skin, helping it act and look younger.
•Top-rated products with ceramides include:
•CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion ($12.99 for 12 ounces)
•Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Gold Ultra Restorative Capsules ($68 for 0.95 ounce)
•Paula’s Choice Moisture Boost Hydrating Treatment Cream ($18.95 for 2 ounces)
Click here to see more top-rated products containing ceramides on Beautypedia.com
•Linoleic / Linolenic Acids / Phospholipids: These fatty acids replenish the skin’s intercellular matrix, preserving its appearance. In addition, all of them function as cell-communicating ingredients, working to “tell” the appropriate skin cells how to function in a healthier manner. They also help reduce inflammation, believed to be a key factor in how the skin ages.
•Top-rated products with linoleic/linolenic acid or phospholipids include:
•Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hydra-Pure Firming Serum ($95 for 1 ounce)
•MD Formulations Moisture Defense Antioxidant Lotion ($50 for 1 ounce)
•Paula’s Choice RESIST Advanced Replenishing Toner ($18.95 for 4 ounces)
Click here to see more top-rated products with linoleic/linolenic acid or phospholipids on Beautypedia.com



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Remember: you are beautiful! Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

C.L.E.A.R. skin tips from Paula Begoun

Can Everyday Be a Good Hair Day?

Finally find what your hair has been looking for

This is a TotalBeauty.com hairstyles article Take this quiz and get hairstyling tips from the experts so that your hair looks fab everyday. Take quiz

Hi friends,
Are you enjoying the "guest blogging" ? I hope so! I trust that the "cosmetics cop" Paula Begoun will have some helpful and insightful tips for you to help get your skin in great back to school shape- just right for year book photos too!
Enjoy and remember to tell yourself how beautiful you are! Jesus loves you and so do I!
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Back To School C.L.E.A.R. Skin Secrets from Paula Begoun


It’s almost that time of year again, a time when parents are scurrying to buy back to school supplies while teenagers are in pursuit of the perfect outfit for the first day of class. In the mist of all this, teenagers must also contend with stubborn acne, which is exacerbated by the stress of returning to school. To help alleviate some of the tension, below are Acne C.L.E.A.R. Skin Tips from Paula Begoun, skincare expert and bestselling author of Don’t Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me.

•Clean Twice Daily: Use a gentle, water-soluble cleanser to remove excess oil and makeup that lead to clogged pores and dull-looking skin. A cleanser with an antibacterial agent such as triclosan can jump-start the process of killing acne-causing bacteria.
•Leave-On Exfoliant is a Must: Daily use of a well-formulated, leave-on product with salicylic acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid, or BHA) works beautifully to remove dead skin cells that get stuck in pores, mix with excess oil, and lead to breakouts. Salicylic acid also works to reduce the redness from acne and provides an additional antibacterial punch, getting you that much closer to clear, super-smooth skin!
•Eradicate Acne-Causing Bacteria: After exfoliating, apply a lightweight anti-acne product that’s medicated with benzoyl peroxide. This topical disinfectant is genius at quickly eliminating the bacteria that leads to the acne you don’t want! Apply your benzoyl peroxide product to breakout-prone areas—don’t spot treat only the acne you see now! Doing so means you’ll end up chasing acne all over your face, which is frustrating.
•Avoid Heavy Moisturizers: If you have oily skin, do not use moisturizer, even if it’s oil free! Your face is already producing an excess amount of oil and there is no need to add more. If you have dry areas, apply a lightweight, gel-textured moisturizer for soothing relief or opt for a serum, especially great to prep skin for makeup.
•Remove Surface Pimples: Need to pop that prominent blemish fast before your date? You can do it in three easy steps. First, cleanse skin and pat dry. Next, using the flat of your fingertips (not your nails) place your fingers on the edge of the swelling. The final step is to gently push down and in on the swelling. If that doesn’t release the contents the first time, change the positioning of your fingers and try again. If that doesn’t work, you are done. REMEMBER, never scratch, itch or burn your pimple! What else to avoid? Toothpaste! You’ll read that this works great to eliminate a stubborn pimple, but in fact it can make matters worse by causing excess irritation.
Remember: you are beautiful!Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

Cosmetic Cop Paula Begoun does the spf math for you!

Readers' Top-Rated Face Wipes

See which facial cleansing towelettes topped our list

This is a TotalBeauty.com best and worst skin care products article Nothing quite takes the place of washing your face with cleanser and water, but the next best thing is a face wipe, no? TotalBeauty.com readers share which towelettes are their BFFs for removing grime post-workout, after a late night of partying, etc. See products

No. 9: Almay Makeup Remover Towelettes, $1.45

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.2

"I am in musicals and wear a lot of makeup, so I need a good remover pad …"

No. 8: Garnier Nutritioniste Nutri-Pure Detoxifying Wet Cleansing Towelettes, $5.99

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.4

"These remove all my makeup/gunk and …"

No. 7: Dove Daily Hydrating Cleansing Cloths, $5.69

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.4

"They cleanse my skin with a gentle scrub and leave it …"

Want to see what other products made the list? Click here!

Hey! In Arizona, we wear sunscreen all year and as the heat is getting turned up by the minute, it's time to up the anty of sunscreen spf factors. Below is an article by Paula Begoun, the Cosmetics Cop, with excellent math ( it's simple and there will not be a test!) on how to figure out what spf number is right for you to keep yourself protected.
Please read it and enjoy and to get a list of Paula's preferred sunscreen choices be sure and visit her website http://www.cosmeticscop.com
Enjoy!
Your Personal SPF: Determining Your Number

The Basics
Sun protection is an everyday must for anyone concerned with keeping their skin in top shape (and that includes avoiding wrinkles, brown discolorations, building collagen, keeping skin firm, and even preventing skin cancer). SPF 15 is the minimum rating to look for and greater is better for some skin colors and conditions; all sunscreens must be liberally applied; and UVA protection is critical.

UVA protection depends on the active ingredients in the product you are using so be sure one or more of these active ingredients are included: avobenzone (sometimes listed as butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane), titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, Mexoryl (ecamsule) or, outside the U.S., Tinosorb.

Decisions, Decisions
There are several important factors that influence how you choose and should apply a sunscreen:

1.How long you are going to be in the sun or sitting next to a window (UVA radiation, the sun's most damaging rays, come through windows). The longer you are going to be in the sun or exposed to UVA radiation via windows the higher the SPF number you need to look for.
2.Are you willing to apply your chosen sunscreen liberally? No matter what SPF rating you choose, you have to apply it liberally. If you aren't applying it liberally always go for a higher number to assure you are getting as much sunscreen ingredients on your skin as possible.
3.Will you be swimming or perspiring heavily? If so, go for sunscreens labeled water resistant or very water resistant. Be sure to reapply as directed, especially after toweling off.
You'll also want to take into consideration your skin type and whether or not you'll be wearing makeup.

1.Those with normal to dry skin should use sunscreens in a lotion or cream base.
2.Those with oily or combination skin should go for sunscreens formulated in a lightweight lotion with a matte finish, a liquid, or an alcohol-free gel base. Many spray-on sunscreens are excellent for oily skin.
3.If you're going to be wearing foundation, you can choose a foundation with sunscreen and pair it with a moisturizer with sunscreen and a pressed powder with sunscreen!
What's Your Rating?
Your ideal SPF number is a multiplication figure based on your skin color and the SPF number on the product.

Identify Your Skin Color:

Level 1 skin is very fair and often freckled. It burns easily within about 20 minutes of direct sun exposure and never tans. This is common for people with blue eyes and blonde or red hair.
Level 2 skin is fair to light and often burns with about 30 minutes of direct sun exposure. Tanning may occur but is minimal. This is common in people with blue, green, or hazel eyes and red, blonde, or light brown hair.
Level 3 skin is light to medium or olive and sometime burns with about 40 minutes of direct sun exposure. Tanning is possible, but typically sunburn happens first. This level can apply to those of any hair or eye color.
Level 4 skin is medium to tan skin that rarely burns but can turn pink in about 60 to 90 minutes of direct sun exposure yet often tans easily. This is commong for people with dark hair and eyes.
Level 5 skin is brown to dark brown skin that very rarely burns and tans easily in about two hours of sun exposure. Those with dark hair and eyes and of Middle Eastern or African-American descent are usually at this level.
Level 6 skin is black skin that never burns and always tans, though a tan is usually not apparent due to depth of natural skin color.

REGARDLESS OF YOUR SKIN COLOR AND HOW EASILY YOU TAN, WRINKLES, SKIN DISCOLORATIONS, AND SKIN CANCERS ARE PRIMARILY CAUSED BY UNPROTECTED SUN EXPOSURE!

Next, Do the Math:

•Your Level of Sunburn Risk x by the SPF Rating = Safe Sun Exposure for Your Skin Color
•The SPF number is a rating that determines how long you can stay in the sun without burning when you wear that product without needing to reapply it. It does not indicate quality of protection, just length of time. Here's how to do the math. If you have:


•Level 1 skin (very fair): That means you usually get a burn in about 15 to 20 minutes of unprotected sun exposure. Determining your skin's response to various SPF ratings works like this:
•SPF 15 x 20 minutes = 300 minutes (5 hours) of protection
•SPF 30 x 20 minutes = 600 minutes (10 hours) of protection
•SPF 45 x 20 minutes = 900 minutes (15 hours) of protection
•Level 2 skin (fair to light): That means you usually get a burn in about 30 minutes of unprotected sun exposure. Determining your skin's response to various SPF ratings works like this:
•SPF 15 x 30 minutes = 450 minutes (7.5 hours) of protection
•SPF 30 x 30 minutes = 900 minutes (15 hours) of protection
•SPF 45 x 30 minutes = 1,350 minutes (22.5 hours) of protection
•Level 3 skin (light to medium/olive): That means you usually get a burn in about 40 minutes of unprotected sun exposure. Determining your skin's response to various SPF ratings works like this:
•SPF 15 x 40 minutes = 600 minutes (10 hours) of protection
•SPF 30 x 40 minutes = 1,200 minutes (20 hours) of protection
•SPF 45 x 40 minutes = 1,800 minutes (30 hours) of protection
•Level 4 skin (medium to tan): That means you usually get a burn in about 60 minutes of unprotected sun exposure. Determining your skin's response to various SPF ratings works like this:
•SPF 15 x 60 minutes = 900 minutes (15 hours) of protection
•SPF 30 x 60 minutes = 1,800 minutes (30 hours) of protection
•SPF 45 x 60 minutes = 2,700 minutes (45 hours) of protection
•Level 5 and Level 6 skin (brown to dark brown or black): That means you usually get a burn in about 120 minutes (2 hours) of unprotected sun exposure. Determining your skin's response to various SPF ratings works like this:
•SPF 15 x 120 minutes = 1.800 minutes (*30 hours) of protection
•SPF 30 x 120 minutes = 3,600 minutes (60 hours) of protection
•SPF 45 x 120 minutes = 5,400 minutes (90 hours) of protection
*Note that level 5 and 6 skin should do just fine with a well-formulated sunscreen rated SPF 15. However, liberal applications is still important. If you do not think you'll be applying the sunscreen as liberally as you should, consider a sunscreen rated SPF 30.


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