Tag Archives: sunscreen

Jenn’s Skincare Regimen: 2020 edition

Editor’s Note: I’m back! It’s been a couple years, but I now find myself with more free time. And I’m frequently thinking, “Ooh, that would be a fun thing to write about on the blog.” So here I am! No promises on the frequency, but I do have a list of ideas. So if you used to read Beautypendence, thanks for coming back. And if you’re new to my little beauty blog, welcome!

Last year, I got a little lazy with my skincare routine. I was using most of the same stuff I wrote about six years ago but with less diligence. And at 43, things don’t look like they used to at 37! My skin was looking dull. I decided to do something about it. I dug deep to rediscover my Beautypendence skills and researched new ingredients and products. I now have a pumped up skincare regimen that’s working well for me.

Just me in my skin, au naturale.

A little about my skin: Thanks to good genes, I don’t have any major skin problems. While wrinkles aren’t a problem for me, sun damage and dryness are. Also, I have mild rosacea on my cheeks. The gentler I am with my skin, the better. No microdermabrasion or harsh peels for me, and I can’t tolerate retinol.

Just because these products below work for my skin, it doesn’t mean it’ll work for yours. Stand alone makeup stores and department store makeup counters will gladly make samples of products for you to try. I always get a sample to make sure I don’t invest in a product that my skin may not like. Also, many products sold online also have some kind of satisfaction guarantee.

Here’s what’s working for me these days.

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Judicial Review: SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense

Last October, I wrote about my visit with Austin dermatologist Dr. Steven Zimmet, who very generously gave me several SkinCeuticals products to try. Out of the four products, two weren’t a good fit for my regimen (Redness Neutralizer and Emollience), one lived up to the hype (CE Ferulic), and one was an absolute knockout. Let me introduce you to my new go-to sunscreen, SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense.

Skinceuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense box, front and back Continue reading

Local Love: Zimmet Vein & Dermatology

Zimmet Vein & Dermatology - logoA few weeks ago, I was invited to visit Zimmet Vein & Dermatology, the home of Steven E. Zimmet, M.D., a dermatologist who has practiced in Austin for more than 30 years. His practice focuses on non-invasive body contouring, vein treatments, and the two areas I went to learn more about, skin treatments and their med spa.

Dr. Zimmet’s office is conveniently located in central Austin, making it possible for me to have an efficient afternoon visit. Upon my arrival, I was promptly taken to an examination room by Anastacia, one of their two aestheticians. I briefly went over my skin concerns, and then she called in the doctor. He would evaluate my skin and then recommend some treatments. Continue reading

What’s New in Foundation: Fall 2012

Fall 2012 foundations - Giorgio Armani Maestro Fusion Makeup, YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat, Dior Diorskin Nude Fluid Foundation

Several high-end prestige brands have launched new foundations, and of course, I wanted to try them all. After wandering the beauty aisles at Neiman Marcus, I collected samples from three newly launched products from Giorgio Armani, Yves Saint Laurent, and Dior. The three products I tried each had distinct qualities, but I thought it would be fun to combine the discussion into a trifecta of foundation reviews.

For anyone who is new to reading Beautypendence, please know that I have dry, sensitive skin with mild rosacea. You should keep that and your own skin type in mind as you read my opinions on these three different products. Continue reading

Judicial Review: Badger SPF 16 Sunscreen Lotion Aloe Vera

Badger SPF 16 Sunscreen Lotion Aloe VeraI’ve talked to you about Badger Cocoa Butter Lip Balm (with the help of some friends) and Badger Foot Balm. Next on the lineup of Judicial Reviews is Badger SPF 16 Sunscreen Lotion.

This is a new and improved product formulation of this sunscreen. Per the Badger website, “It features a light, moisturizing, USDA Certified Organic Aloe Vera lotion base that is perfect for daily use on face and body. Like all of Badger’s sunscreens it offers broad spectrum protection using only non-nano Zinc Oxide. This is a good option for those who found our original sunscreen creams too heavy for everyday use.”

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Judicial Review: COOLA Face SPF20 Mineral Sunscreen

Coola Face SPF20 Mineral SunscreenFor a while, I had been hunting for good sun protection for my face. Let us not forget that even in the winter (or Austin’s weak interpretation of it) you need to wear some kind of sun protection on your face.  EVERYDAY. 

I was specifically looking for a physical sunblock, which is typically sensitive skin friendly. (If you’ve ever wondered what the difference is between “sunscreen” and “sunblock”, or “chemical” and “physical” sunblocks, read this.) The problem with sunblock formulas, however, is that they can leave a white cast on your skin due to the minerals used to do the sunblocking action. It’s not a good look.

I had first seen the COOLA Suncare line at a trusted local beauty store, so I went online to further investigate their self-proclaimed organic products. And then when Wendy and I went to Travaasa, their spa sold COOLA Face SPF20 Mineral Sunscreen, so I bought it in hopes that it would become my go-to daily sunscreen. Continue reading

Judicial Review: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Enhancer

http://beautypendence.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/neutrogena1.jpgSome might recall my dalliance with Almay’s foundation that ended in disappointment.  I’m thrilled to report that I have a new love and I think this time it’s the real thing: Neutrogena’s Healthy Skin Enhancer foundation.

When I first saw the color selection I wasn’t going to bother: even their lightest shade looked way too dark for me.  But for under $10 what did I really have to lose by trying it?  I am SO glad I gave it a chance!

Judicial Review: Almay Truly Lasting Color with SPF 15

Almay TLC SPF 15I’ve been a one-foundation woman for as long as I can remember: Bobbi Brown’s SPF 15 Tinted Moisturizer.  We’ve been through a lot together and it’s never let me down, but lately I’ve been wondering what else is out there.  How do I really know it’s the best if I don’t test drive another?  I needed to get some foundation “strange”.

I went looking for excitement on the other side of the tracks: the drugstore.  In my Beauty Bill of Rights (Article IV) I stated that some things are worth paying a little more for, foundation being my example.  Could I be satisfied with something so…common?  For my first, I went for something with stamina: Almay Truly Lasting Color with SPF 15.  I’ve never strayed from Bobbi and I was nervous: would I look chalky or cheap?

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Jenn’s Beauty Bill of Rights

AMENDMENT I: THE RIGHT TO LOOKING YOUR BEST
Don’t be lazy! I’ll probably say this a lot on the blog, because it applies to most aspects of life. Don’t be lazy about taking care of your skin. Don’t be lazy about wearing make-up (and taking it off at the end of the night). Don’t be lazy about how you dress. You only get one life, so why aren’t you making the most of it every day?

Jenn portrait photo by Tom Hall, beauty shot

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