Today I have a great post from my friend Jen, she writes one of my favorite beauty blogs, Raging Rouge! Jen and I spend a lot of time talking about our mutual beauty obsessions, but we also share a love of shopping (especially all things Tory. She has helped me spend way too much money!) Today she's sharing a few of her favorite products to cope with living in the desert. Recently she moved to the southwest and it has taken her much trial and error to readjust her routine! I hope some of her info can help you deal with the intense heat and sun of the desert.
Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion ($39): I’ve been buying and rebuying this product since it was first released. It has been my go-to sunblock for vacations in the desert, and now that I’m a desert dweller I still use it regularly. It’s pricy, but this SPF50+ also wears beautifully under makeup and protects the skin from sun exposure for a long time.
Active Ingredients: Octinoxate 7.4%; Octocrylene 3.0%; Titanium Dioxide 1.4%; Zinc Oxide 16.4%;
Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Spray SPF 50+ ($36): Since I’ve moved to the desert, I’ve added this spray sunscreen to my routine. It’s not an obnoxious mist that leaves everyone in the vicinity coughing when you use it. Shiseido uses a true pump spray that delivers broad spectrum UV protection that can reach tricky spots like the back.
Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 3.0%, Homosalate 15.0%, Octisalate 5.0%, Octocrylene 2.5%, Oxybenzone 5.0%
Neutrogena UltraSheer Face & Body Stick Sunscreen SPF 70 ($8.79): My sons hate wearing sun block, so I was happy to discover this 70+ sunblock stick. I apply it to my boys every morning before school, and they get through a recess-filled school day (and extracurriculars) with no burns!
Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 15%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 10%, Oxybenzone 3%
Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral SPF 30 ($30): You never know when an afternoon in the sun might present itself. This product makes sunblock application OVER makeup a breeze, without compromising your look. It’s available in many formulas, including one with a bronze tint.
Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 13%, Zinc Oxide 14%
Sun Bum Sunscreen Lip Balm ($4): The delicious tropical flavors offered by Sun Bum help remind you to re-apply a lip balm with SPF throughout the day! The latest flavor I’ve tried is banana, which smells just like a smoothie to me and soothes dry lips in the hot summer sun.
Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 2.00%, Homosalate 15.00%, Octisalate 5.00%, Octinoxate 7.50%
Klorane Mango Butter Intense Nutrition Repair Masque ($23): When I first moved to Scottsdale, it didn’t take long for my hair to turn to a horrible straw-like texture. Truthfully, it looked more like a stack of yellow hay than hair. I’ve been using Klorane Mango Shampoo and Conditioner for years, so for extra moisture I added on the Repair Masque. It was just what my dry tresses needed to get back to a normal state.
Bumble and Bumble Mending Complex ($35): After washing and drying my sun-damaged hair, I applied this leave in conditioner daily. I also passed on heat styling as often as possible (trust me when I say this step is easy to skip when it’s 110 degrees or higher). Bumble and Bumble Mending Complex made my hair feel softer the very first time I used it, and improved the health of my hair more and more with each use. I was heartbroken when I ran out, but a bottle will last for a long time!
Clinique Sun Face Cream ($21.50): In my quest to find superior Broad Spectrum sun protection, I found Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Cream. This formula doubles as a luxurious anti-aging face cream, while also providing an SPF 50. It’s been a great choice for my sensitive skin, and is actually a reasonable price!
Active Ingredients: Oxybenzone 5.00%, Octisalate 5.00%, Homosalate 5.00%, Avobenzone 3.00%, Octocrylene 2.70%
True Blue Spa Paraffin Super Softening Hand Lotion ($12): I first discovered this product when I forgot to pack moisturizing gloves on a vacation. My winter-ravaged hands needed attention and a Bath & Body Works employee treated me to a short hand massage with this rich hand cream. It is, hands down (pardon the pun), the best I’ve ever used! Now they are scattered throughout my house, in my car, and in my bag at all times.
True Blue Spa Glycolic Acid Cracked Heel Treatment ($15): It’s flip-flop season for about 10 months of the year here in the desert, so heels need extra TLC or they will crack and bleed. Prep for a scorching summer with this glycolic moisturizer that removes the dry, damaged top layer of the heel while it delivers a deep moisturizer.
Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes Pencil ($19): You really never know when a chance for a swim might pop up when you live in a warmer climate, so wearing waterproof makeup everyday is generally a good idea. Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes is my favorite eye pencil in general, and luckily handles the water like a champ!
NARS Pure Sheer Lip Treatment ($25): Sunblock, color, and an emollient feel make this lip treatment a permanent fixture in my bag during the summer months!
Sephora Collection Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover ($10.50): If you’re wearing waterproof eye makeup daily, a top notch waterproof eye makeup remover is a must. Luckily this Sephora brand remover is a reasonable price, and cuts through even the best waterproof formulas without irritating the delicate eye area.
Jen blogs at Raging Rouge, go check out her blog!
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