May: Melanoma Awareness Month

This month is Melanoma Awareness Month! If you haven't been checking your skin for any unusual signs of moles, or sunspots, now is the time to start doing so! Melanoma is a growing and deadly form of skin cancer, so it's important to use sunscreen every day! I have really sensitive skin and can only use physical sunblock protectors (those with titanium dioxide and iron oxide as ingredients). Any other sunscreen with "-ene's" and others at the end are chemicals and cause huge red patches on my skin. :(

Here are some products for your face/lips that contain only titanium dioxide/iron oxide for your best summer sunscreen protection:

Girls Who Surf Sunscreen Face Stick- Read my complete review here.	Josie Maran Argan Protect SPF 40+ Natural Daily Sun Protection (read more reviews on Josie Maran products here.)
Lavanila Healthy Lip Screen SPF 30	Lavera Anti-Aging Facial Subscreen My in-depth review here.

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Protect your Skin from the Sun: Smart Girls Who Surf

Protect your skin early by wearing SPF everyday! I have sensitive skin that is allergic to chemical ingredients for SPF protection, so I have to use products that only contain Titanium Dioxide and Iron Oxide (ingredients made for sensitive skin.) In preparation for the upcoming Earth Month in April, I want to share with you an organic sunscreen face stick that I tried from Smart Girls Who Surf.

Their Organic SPF 32 Sunscreen Face Stick has the following organic ingredients:

Active ingredients : Titanium Dioxide 8%, Zinc Oxide 2.5%
Inactive Ingredients: Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Beeswax, Organic Castor oil, Organic Coco Butter, Organic Avocado Oil, Organic Aloe Oil, Vitamin E, Green Tea Extract, Rosemary Extract, Organic Calendula.

Tips & Tricks to use...
With all the oils and moisturizing ingredients, it did not surprise me that when applied, the formula was creamier than expected since it came from a stick. The formula however does leave a bit of a white residue but if you spread it on your face, it will sort of absorb into your skin but still a slightly white cast is left on your face. It helps to let you know that you've applied the sunscreen but if you don't like the tint, you can definitely apply a bronzing powder for cover up.

For $13, this product is a great value for the product that you get. It's also convenient for your purse and TSA-approved since it's not a liquid! :) Great for the beach and on your spring break (see my Spring break must-haves here.)

Check out more products from Smart Girls Who Surf including their Mineral Sunscreen and Soothing Lotion.


(Disclaimer: I received this product from this company's PR agency to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)

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Father's Day Gifts from Surf-Vival & C.O. Bigelow

Father's Day is coming up on Sunday, June 20, but you still have time to get your Dad something special. Every year for me, it's the usual clothes, leather wallet, some electronic or tool that he was eyeing, but this year I have a few different options I'd like to share.

	For your Outdoor-sy Dad who loves to hike, bike, and do everything outside, including surf if you're lucky enough to be near the water, then you'll want him to be safe from the sun!
The Surf-Vival Kit from Smart Girls Who Surf includes everything your dad will need to protect himself from UV rays- SPF 30 Sunblock, SPF 32 Face Stick, Soap for Surfers Glycerin Soap and an SPF 15 Lip Balm. What is so special about Surf-Vival products is that they're chemical-free and paraben-free as well as created in biodegradeable packaging so it's safe to use in the water.
Review of Pure Glycerin Soap- This light green soap is gentle for your skin as well as moisturizing. It's hypo-allergenic and veggie based. I liked that the soft Cucumber scent was not overbearing but rather pleasant. Definitely a great soap to use whether you're on the go, for travel when you're at a public pool, etc. This was tested by surfers too!	Review of Organic SPF32 Face Stick- This is one of my summer's must have! It contains 8% Titanium Dioxide to give you the sun protection you need with agility to carry this around on-the-go so you can reapply as necessary. It's also water-resistant! It comes out out really white but at least you'll know where you applied it.

For your Sophisticated dad who likes to look spiffy and clean, the C.O. Bigelow Barber Collection has 4 different scents that will suit him! Elixir White- Modern, Bright and Refined. (not shown) Elixir Blue- Refreshing, Adventurous and Clean. Elixir Black- Confident, Exotic and Rich. Elixir Red- Sexy, Warm and Smooth. In each Elixir Collection, you can choose from the following- a Cologne ($19.50 USD), Hair and Body Wash ($10.00 USD), Deodorizing Body Spray ($10.00 USD), After-Shave Moisture Lotion ($10.00 USD) and Ultra-Light Body Lotion ($10.00 USD). I used to buy C.O. Bigelow lip balms, available at Bath & Body Works- great variety of products to choose for yourself while you're shopping.. :) Review of No. 1581 Elixir Black Cologne- This cologne has blends of exotic agar wood and tonka bean with undertones of amber, musk and vanilla, if you can imagine what that smells like. Basically, this cologne screams confidence and sexy!! This is the perfect gift to make him feel like a million bucks! It comes in a sleek black, glass bottle that sprays the cologne. It's 2.5 fl. oz is the perfect size for travel and on the bathroom counter. (Check out www.ilovebigelow.com for more great products!)

For your Sporty Dad who loves to play and watch his favorite games on TV, whether it be basketball, football, golf etc, this Pilsner Glass is perfect for him. He can enjoy his beer or cold beverage in this glassware. The two shown here are the Game Lolita Pilsner Glass and the 19th Hole Lolita Pilsner Glass. (Available at www.thelolitastore.com, $25 USD each) There are also other options on this site that will make great gifts for yourself and your girlfriends including cute cosmetic bags, aprons and candles!

(Disclaimer: I received only products reviewed from this company's PR agency to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)
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