How to Choose a Safe and Effective Sunscreen Product

As the summer season begins, shelves of sunscreen products are hitting the stores. Whether you are planning to spend time at the beach, at amusement parks, or just love being outside during the summer, using sunscreen is essential to protecting your skin. For those who are truly interested in the best anti-aging secret, use a sunscreen as part of your everyday beauty routine – literally all year round!

But the question still remains: How does one choose the best sunscreen product to meet their needs?

Not all sunscreens are the same, so it is important to educate yourself on the different formulas and ingredients that are in these products. It’s important to remember the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), controls the production of sunscreens and therefore these products often contain potentially harmful ingredients or chemicals.

Here are a few basic tips to keep in mind when looking for the best/safest sunscreen for you and your family:

• The SPF (Sun Protection Factor) should be at a minimum of 30, and not over 50.
• There are different types of UV (Ultra Violet) rays from the sun so look for a product that say, “broad spectrum” or “broad spectrum UVA/UVB.”
• Water Resistance does not mean waterproof, rather they will protect only 40-80 minutes of sweat or water sports and need to be reapplied.

How does one choose from all the different products out there? The most important thing to do is read the label. If there are too many ingredients that you don’t recognize this is a red flag – meaning that there are too many chemicals and toxic substances in the product. Don’t forget that your skin, being your largest organ, is a sponge (not a barrier). Anything and everything that you put on it, goes in to your body.

Because most, if not all, mass-market sunscreens such as Aveeno, CVS, Banana Boat, and Neutrogena brands contain toxic chemicals, you are literally better off wearing a hat and a cotton shirt which will give you automatic protection of SPF 15. Also note, that spray-on sunscreens are additionally harmful (for children in particular),as we breathe in the toxic chemicals when applying the product.

With this in mind, we narrowed down the choices between “chemical” sunscreens and “mineral” sunscreens, containing zinc oxides, which have the best safety profile of today’s choices. Mineral sunscreens are ones containing zinc or titanium. These do not breakdown in sunlight, are not usually absorbed (so they do not disrupt the body’s hormones), are non allergenic, and are more effective at blocking UVA rays than non-minerals.  These sunscreens are a good choice for children and according to EWG, have the best safety profiles of the choices in the United States.

Two of the most popular brands of sunscreens that are loaded with chemicals – see active ingredients. However there are excellent chemical free products on the market to choose from. The best natural sunscreen product I have found is DeVita’s Solar Protective Moisturizer 30. It’s an all natural sheer, moisturizer/sunscreen that is a deeply moisturizing daytime cream and sun block all in one- no kidding! It’s light enough to wear under make-up, absorbs quickly, and yet leaves the skin nourished and feeling soft and smooth. I have been using it now for two months and love the fact that my skin is getting moisturized while being protected from the sun.

What I love about DeVita Skin Care products is that they are 100 percent Vegan and Paraben Free. They are considered Gluten Sensitive Safe and never contain GMO’s. DeVita also never tests their products on animals.
To top it off, I also had the opportunity to use another fabulous product from DeVita Skin Care – the Solar Body Block Moisturizer SPF30+.
This is a gentle, soothing body lotion and natural sunscreen all in one – no kidding!  It’s perfect for sensitive skin as it penetrates deeply giving back your skin the look and feel of it’s elasticity, after just a few applications. Solar Body Block revitalizes, softens and moisturizes skin while leaving it with a satin sheen.

So it’s not just your beautiful face that needs both sun protection and moisture, your body does as well. Get out this summer and enjoy the sunshine – but make sure to protect your entire body from the damaging effects of the sun while maintaining youthful glowing skin at the same time.

Andris Kener: Fresh Skin Care that Delivers Results

EGF FOR SKIN CARE

Skin care products with Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) have been covered quite a bit in the press and have sparked my interest.  EGF was discovered in 1986 by two scientists who were awarded a Nobel Prize for their ground breaking research.  EGF is naturally generated by your body and is a key factor in that promotes skin rejuvenation.

Living in the Phoenix, we experience blistering hot weather in the summer and cold winters.  Summers are very dry in the desert and during cold months, the running of heaters depletes moisture from the indoor air.  I felt like I couldn’t win with my skin.  Being in my forties, it has become more important to take proper care of it.  I’ve tried many products but have not been fully satisfied with them.  When I discovered the EGF Revitalizing Serum product from Andris Kener, I thought I would give it a try without really knowing what to expect as I have experienced disappointments in the past with so many other products.

First Impressions

The product packaging looks stylish and its dark colored jar emanates an image of elegance. When I applied the serum on my face, I immediately noticed the product was light and refreshing. There was no greasy or oily film and I didn’t feel like I needed to wash my hands after I used it.  Dermatologists and skin care specialists have advised me that applying lotions and skin creams after a shower or bath promotes optimal absorption by the body.  Therefore, I applied the product immediately after bathing and I also applied the product on my neck as I don’t want wrinkles and flaws in my neck to give away my age.

I was pleasantly surprised when after one week of consistently using the product, I noticed my eye wrinkles and the dark circles were reduced. The crepe-y skin under my eyes was plumper and less noticeable. Three weeks later, I was overjoyed when a friend suddenly made the remark that my skin looked younger and more radiant.  A cosmetic surgeon that I recently visited also commented on my skin.  He was surprised how soft my hands were.  I attribute the softness of my hands to the fact that I don’t wash the Revitalizing Serum off after applying the product to my face.  I rub the excess into my hands and the effects are noticeable.  I apply my makeup over the product without experiencing flaking or the product rubbing off.  I haven’t used foundation primer since switching to this product.

I realized that my skin has become smoother, brighter and more even toned. Also, the redness and discoloration that usually drove me to apply my makeup before going anywhere had noticeably improved.  My skin looked and felt very soothed.

As I dug deeper to find out the reason for the changes, I discovered what has been observed is exactly what can be expected. EGF is known to stimulate increased production of collagen and elastin and improve local blood circulation. As the body slows down its EGF production with age, supplementing the EGF through external means, promotes skin cell regeneration. The result is better skin elasticity and this gives skin a younger, softer and more desirable complexion.

What is so unique about the product?

The benefits of EGF in skin care are well known. But how do you ensure EGF is still in its most effective state from the time it was bioengineered to the time when it is applied? It’s hard for consumers to test that. The only feasible and realistic measure is to observe the performance of it in products and actual results. In my opinion, Andris Kener seems to have achieved a solution that keeps the EGF highly effective. Based on my personal with experience using the product, EGF can have dramatic results when used consistently.

When I was considering trying a product with EGF, before making a selection, I also looked into the different companies who manufactured products with EGF.  What I learned about Andris Kener and the history behind their product distinguished them from other companies.

• The product was developed for medical applications by a doctor.  It was prescribed by a doctor for use in hospitals to promote wound healing and help repair damaged skin in burn patients and individuals with skin trauma.

• Patients undergoing treatments, such as radiation, didn’t want to continue treatment due to deteriorating skin conditions.  The patients lost hope and self-esteem resulting in the doctor’s need for a solution to restore the patients’ confidence.

• The EGF product was developed and used for nearly 20 years to successfully help patients heal and regain confidence and self-esteem.

I am not aware of another company with an EGF product on the market that has a track record and history like this. Just recently, this solution has been offered as a skin care product to the general consumers.

Conclusion

The Andris Kener product delivers the results the company promises.  My skin is softer and more radiant. As a testament, several people have commented on the beauty of my skin since I have been using it.

The Andris Kener product combines the best of nature and science and offers the latest cutting-edge discoveries in skin care.  The Andris Kener team really cared about what they were delivering to me.  I received information that was not only relevant to their product but also to educate me on my skin and how to properly care for it.  The product contains all the essentials of a robust skin care regimen. As the product is unscented, men would likely be comfortable using it and not have to be concerned about any detectable scent.

In summary, I am pleased with the company and the product they have to offer.  I’m hoping to see a body cream and more from them in the future.

A Whole New World

It’s a difficult transition in a woman’s life when she graduates to the “Misses” clothing section of department stores.

It’s hard to resist the temptation of the Juniors section, which resembles the best party you’ve never been invited to. The bright lights, the rainbow of colors, the upbeat music and the glitter on the floor can be intoxicating to the eyes.

I once thought I was having a seizure, but then realized I was just in the dressing room of the Juniors section at Macy’s.

When you graduate to the Misses section, you realize that it has a different feel. No longer are you greeted by pictures of fresh-faced young women who appear to be having the best day of their entire lives simply by wearing leggings as pants and a see-thru blouse while jumping into the air.

Instead, the Misses section feels more like you are now a member of the book club, “Lonely Literate Ladies of the Library Who Embrace Lace and the Occasional Lower Leaking.”

You walk through a maze of aisles littered with embroidered holiday sweatshirts, turtlenecks and cap-sleeved shirts in putrid colors like mint, taupe, off-white and mother of pearl. The only music you can hear is the faint sound of Edwain McCain singing, “I’ll be Your Crying Shoulder,” which is playing on repeat as you slowly digest your new reality.

You search and search for something “fun” to wear to your girl’s night out, which now starts at 4 pm on a Saturday and consists of a “party” at a friend’s house who is trying to sell you crappy candles that never burn out, over-priced purses that resemble diaper bags (but you can get your initials embroidered on them for only $30 extra) and over-priced costume jewelry made by some chick named, “Lia Sophia,” who I am convinced was that girl in high school who told me that my Gap sweatshirt was “so two years ago.”

Sadly, it’s inevitable that every lady must eventually embrace the Misses section. There comes a time when we must get over the delusion that we can walk into a Wet Seal or Forever 21 store and NOT get the stink eye from every young sales associate who has figured out that a small waist is more celebrated than intellect in our society.

We should no longer be shocked when we enter these stores and are immediately asked, “Are you looking for something for your daughter?” I, of course, say all of this out of righteous jealousy.

I realize that this can be an overwhelming and confusing process so I’m here to help.

Below, I’ve devised a list of when you know it’s time to venture on over to the Misses section:

1)     You are trying on the same outfit as your granddaughter.

2)     You have a granddaughter.

3)     You’ve used a rotary phone in your lifetime.

4)     You have ever uttered the words, “It’s too loud in here.”

5)     You eat yogurt for the probiotics, which was recommended to you by your doctor after your recent colonoscopy.

6)     You listen to NPR…even on the weekends.

7)     You no longer ask for an STD test when at your annual lady appointment.

8)     You have conversations with your friends that begin with, “Broccoli makes me gassy.”

9)     You remember Reaganomics.

10)  Your husband was in WW1.

Good luck! It’s an unjust world out there. However, we can change it. In order to do so, we must band together and redefine beauty in our society. We should demand that women over the age of 30 are treated equally and have the right to be sold attractive clothing.

We should occupy the aisles of every department store until age is deemed more beautiful than youth. We should…well, let’s be honest, we’re all too invested in “The Real Housewives” to find time for any of that. The new season of Orange County just started and Vicki has a new chin!

 

 

A video from the author… 

Intelligent Beauty according to Rolf

I was lucky enough to spend nearly two hours with one of the world’s most famous hairstylists, Rolf Lohse.  I admit it was not easy finding the time to interview him as he has an entire company which most people are not aware of.  Rolf’s Salon and Spa is actually a global company with multiple locations both here, in the United States, and abroad.

I loved Rolf’s European attitude as he says women are beautiful and any age and he does not seem to buy into the American “youth worshiping” mentality.  He coined the phrase, “intelligent beauty,” which I, being over 40, immediately gravitated to.  His belief is that a woman can be beautiful at any age and that she becomes more attractive and interesting as time goes on.

An interview with Rolf is really more of an experience as he is so gracious to all of the guests that come into the salon.   He believes that all women deserve to be treated special whether they are regular customers or are single moms who have saved up to come in for a special treat.   I went to meet him at the Gainey Ranch location and was impressed with the décor and ambiance   Elegance is the word that comes to mind the colors and textures are a mixture of old world and contemporary. (Rolf even designed the gorgeous concierge desk.)  His commitment to excellence is second to none and his staff is absolutely the best at what they do.

One of the things that I truly love about Rolf and his staff is their compassion and commitment to giving back to the community.   I recently had the opportunity to work with several of his staff at the Rock the Runway Fashion Show that I hosted For Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock charity last week and it was absolutely amazing.  Audrey organized everything as Tracy did all the hair for our models, the Solid Rock dancers, as well as Sheryl Cooper, Morgan Cooper and yours truly.  Our makeup artist, also a Morgan, was absolutely phenomenal.   Words cannot describe the transformation as our show was a retro theme, 1940s, with hair and makeup.  The show was a complete success everyone looked beautiful and once again Rolf donated his staff, products and gifts to the swag bags, something he does on a regular basis.   If you have not had the opportunity to experience Rolf’s yet, I highly recommend it.

Every woman deserves to feel special and I cannot think of a better way to reward yourself.

 

Beauty is more than skin deep

The quest for the Fountain of Youth has been going on for centuries and it still seems to elude us most of the time. The whole purpose of SmartFem magazine is to protect, serve and educate women and only work with people and companies that operate with the highest integrity.  It delights me when I find strong, intelligent women who are passionate about what they do and who share their gifts with others.

Cherylanne DeVita is one of these women and she was kind enough to share her story. I, like many women I know, have an entire drawer full of skin creams and serums that claim to erase the hands of time.  I once spent as much as $150 for a wrinkle cream with “guaranteed results and proven clinical studies.” The only thing it erased was my bank account.  I am very skeptical when it comes to lotions and potions and so-called anti-aging products.  In addition to the products not working, or irritating the skin, several of them contain toxic ingredients.  Having had a near fatal bout with skin cancer I do know first-hand, that what you put on your skin definitely makes a difference.

Cherylanne created DeVita Natural Skincare, a vegan and Paraben free line of skincare and cosmetics for women.  She shared with me her story and pain of having to deal with cystic acne all of her life.  Cherylanne actually cured her own acne with a formula she made on her own.  (She is a master chemist, did I forget to mention that?).  Her own esthetician told her to keep doing what she was doing as the results were remarkable.  I really enjoyed my time with Cherylanne… so much that my interview ended up being three hours long.   I was impressed with Cherylanne’s passion and commitment to women and to the environment. All of her products are all-natural, 100% Paraben free, PETA Certified Vegan and despite the gorgeous Chanel-esque packages, they are all recycled and Earth friendly packaging.

I asked Cherylanne for a tip for women about how to know that they were getting a safe product and she said to read the label, the active ingredients are mentioned first and if you need a dictionary to know what the ingredient is… it probably is not natural and may not be safe.  Despite how progressive the US is, it is still about 30 years behind when it comes to regulating our cosmetics.  Most of our cosmetics would not be allowed to be sold in Europe or in Canada due to many of the toxic ingredients of our manufacturers.   Most people would be horrified if you knew what was in your mascara (bat excrement), another toxic ingredient still found in red lipstick is lead.  The list goes on, if you knew what ingredients companies use in baby products you would be outraged.

It is good to know that there are women who will go the extra mile and take on these big companies to make sure that people have safe and healthy alternatives.  It is for this reason I am so happy and honored to feature Cherylanne DeVita as our SmartFem Woman of the Month.

 

Maximize Your New Look With A Whiter Smile

Re-style your hair.

Change your makeup.

Update your wardrobe.

But as you’re creating the new you, just remember, all eyes will be on your smile. There’s no doubt how you look on the outside is important, but your smile shows your inner beauty and new inner confidence, too.

Now you’re the total package. Besides, what good is a great new haircut if your teeth are stained?

Here are a few reasons why you should get your teeth whitened:

• You can instantly remove staining caused by coffee, tea, soda, red wine, smoking, braces, tetracycline, fluoride deposits, and natural aging.

• You’ll look years younger and healthier.

• You can save hundreds of dollars compared to dental whitening treatments.

• We come to your home or place of business at no additional cost!

So why let a hot new lipstick color draw attention to yellow teeth when it can compliment a glowing smile?

Just as you would seek a professional stylist or artist for your hair and makeup, you should use a professional teeth whitening service rather than dabbling with do-it-yourself products that just won’t make the impact you desire.

Sensational Smiles is a mobile teeth-whitening company that serves the Phoenix area. We use state-of-the-art LED blue light technology and an all-natural enamel-safe whitening gel.

You can expect dramatic results averaging 5-14 shades brighter in just 60 minutes or less.

Professional teeth whitening really can improve your life. You’ll look dazzling in your wedding photos, graduation pictures, or other events that will be captured by photographs, which you and your family will be looking fondly back at for the rest of your life.

Plus you’ll have more confidence when you’re at your next job interview, or even on your next date! A whiter smile can only get you noticed more by the right people.

You get only one chance to make a first impression. Do it right … get ‘em white!

 

SmartFem Recommended

You can visit our website, smiles4AZ.com, for pricing and contact information. We look forward to seeing you and your beautiful smile!

 

What Is Energy? Eight Ways To Find Your Happiness

Everything is energy. The human body is just one big Wi-Fi, like a computer. If we could plug you in, you could light up the room or even your neighborhood. We all have a frequency, a vibration. As a matter of fact, everything does. Your energy field radiates around you about five feet in diameter.

When your energy is balanced, you can create true happiness. Creating happiness is a feeling like a wave and all you can think about is that very moment. You can achieve happiness at any time, because every second you are creating a new energy cell in your body. So you are not the same person you were when you started reading this!

Would you like to feel your energy? Would you like to balance your energy? Would you like to create more positive energy? Here are eight simple ways you can find more happiness and create more positive energy starting today.

1. Conscious breathing creates moving energy. Many doctors are now telling patients to practice exercises that are all about breathing like Tai Chi and Yoga because of its relaxing anti-stressful nature.
2. Connect and focus on the good around you, not on the bad. Be in appreciation for all that you have, especially you! Imagine having a popular restaurant move into your neighborhood. All the parking, people, and noise – there’s so much energy everywhere. Take the time to witness all of this energy and see the positive side of the restaurant: the jobs, the energy of fun, and the community it’s creating. Just stay in that energy of appreciation of all the new energy flowing around you.
3. Putting a smile on your face helps create Chi, which is a form of higher frequency energy, also known as vibe-life forces energy. Take a moment out of your busy day and just smile or think of something happy. You’ll notice how good it feels. Smiling works your facial muscles, too. J
4. Good deeds and generosity can generate increased happiness. What you do for others creates happy emotional feelings.
5. Food is another way of being happy. It strengthens you and helps you increase your energy. Be in appreciation while you are paying, eating, and preparing food – just enjoy the entire experience.
6. Take a dance lesson or a class you have always wanted to take. Treat yourself!
7. Buy a rose a week for your office or your home. A happy flower will brighten up any room.
8. Don’t dwell on unhappy things or negative energy; shift your thinking to happy thoughts.

Emotional vibration rises when you’re happy. When we connect to our emotions, we create better health, better choices, and better energy. So if you’re ready to create happiness and feel more of your own positive energy, just try one or more of the 8 ways listed above. You’ll notice changes right away and begin to feel the happy energy flow more easily to you. Shine on!

~ Angel Marie

lightworkersgifts.com

 

 

CHUNKY… and we’re not referring to Campbell’s soup!

Put a modern twist on 60′s mod with the new CHUNKY heel for Spring!

For those wanting comfort, you’ll be pleased to know that your ankles can sit comfortably this season on a stacked thick heel that won’t make you feel like you are sacrificing for fashion!  We first noticed the trend last Fall during Spring 2013 Fashion Week with a nod toward vintage.  Look for the chunky heel in all styles: high heel pumps, loafers, and strappy sandals.  When it comes to chunky heels, the stacked heel is a popular look, but other options include two-tone, metallic and even cork heels.

What we love about the chunky heel, in addition to the style, is the level of comfort. Since it offers walking ease and ankle support, and with the 1960’s inspired look, you’ll be at the height of fashion AND comfort.   Think of how mod you’ll look if you pair this versatile shoe with a flirty feminine dress . This type of heel coordinates perfectly with nearly anything because of its ready-to-wear colors and patterns.You won’t have to worry about wearing a pair of these to work. The chunky heel can be paired with dress slacks, and other professional attire to put a stylish twist on the banal business suit.

The chunky heel is one of the few styles of shoe that one can wear for the entire day. Throughout daytime and evening looks the chunky heel prevails. Consider wearing a chunky heel that is two-toned, a bright yellow patent, or you can always play it safe with a neutral.

Try trading your usual summer wedges in for a chunky heel.
Whether for work or play, we’re quite certain you’ll fall in love with the chunky heel, but don’t worry—we’re not suggesting you dispose of your classically sexy stilettos! This shoe with a retro twist is a great way to update your wardrobe for 2013.

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Fashions from Top World Designers Spotted at Phoenix Premium Outlets Grand Opening

April 4, 2013 marked the grand opening of the new and highly anticipated Phoenix Premium Outlets in Chandler, AZ.  Fashions from top designers such as Coco Chanel, Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin, Gucci and more graced the shelves of Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th.   If you have visited the outlet malls in Anthem and Tempe, you know it’s uncommon to see a decent selection of products from leading designers.  It was an unexpected surprise and I broke my two week tweet silence in hopes of informing Phoenix Fashionistas of the noteworthy finds.

Saks Off Fifth was stocked with the usual Saks outlet merchandise but to my surprise, there were some higher end designers not frequently seen in the outlet stores.  There were Coco Chanel dresses lined with silk, St. John suits, Escada slacks and blouses and Judith Leiber handbags.  Designer shoes included  Gucci, Kate Spade, Chanel, Louboutin, Jimmy Choo, Lanvin and more.  Just a couple weeks ago, Neiman Marcus Last Call received their twice annual shipment of designer shoes.  Women were waiting outside the doors, myself included, and within the first 20 minutes of unlocking the doors, the shelves were stripped of Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo and Chanel in the common sizes.

There were quite a few popular designer stores that were not prepared for the April opening.  Stores that did not open this weekend included Ralph Lauren, Movado, Kate Spade, Crabtree and Evelyn and Cole Haan.  The premium outlet website has posted estimated opening dates for these stores and others that weren’t prepared for the grand opening event.   Coach made the date and shoppers were lined up outside the store until closing.

All in all, it was a pleasant surprise to see the beautiful merchandise in Off 5th.  Other stores in the mall were bustling with people and cars were still arriving an hour before the mall was closing for the night.  Whether or not such high end merchandise will continue to be stocked at Off 5th is yet to be discovered.  It’s entertaining to handle the clothes and take the opportunity to try them on in an unpretentious setting.  When they are gone, that might be it, with the exception of special arrival events.

Fashion with a Purpose

As a cancer survivor I can tell you that despite its terror, there are some good things that have come about because of it.  I can also tell you that cancer supporters can come in many different forms.  When I was stricken with it myself some of the people I thought would be there for me– were not,  and some I never would of dreamed of came to my side.

I recently attended the Wellness Community Red Carpet Event hosted at Saks Fifth Avenue.   The event was full of beautiful women coming together to support this non-profit organization that is “An Affiliate of the Cancer Support Community.” I was touched  to see so much corporate support for such a personal issue.   National Bank of Arizona was one of the corporate sponsors as well.On hand to show her support was Deborah Bateman, the Executive Vice President and Director of Wealth Strategies for the National Bank of Arizona.

The co-chairs of the event were Maritza Braga-Brown and Susan Williams.  The event highlighted Juanita Francis as the annual Hope Awards Honoree recipient.  The elegant bistro breakfast was provided by Benedict’s and Nothing Bundt Cakes added a little take home treat in the swag bags.The fashion show hosted by Saks Fifth Avenue was fabulous and the styles were retro, circa 1960.

Saks Fifth Avenue donated $25 gift cards and a generous portion of all proceeds from the event went  to the Wellness Community.

From my perspective as a publisher for a women’s magazine, I am often privy to many of these red carpet events and I must say that often times I get to see and meet with amazing women and they always inspire me.  They are always gracious, forward thinking and have the biggest hearts.  (A couple of them have fabulous shoes too!)

I hope that someday I too will be able to inspire young women the way these amazing women have inspired me.

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