Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer Liquid Sunblock Review

While it would be ideal to have your daily sunscreen included in your morning lotion (can't forget, and can't use an excuse to skip a day)... The truth is that it isn't always possible. Most moisturizers don't include sunscreens. Those that do might not work well for you, might not have broad spectrum coverage or may just not have a high enough SPF. That's when it's better to add a second sunscreen product.

I think that I'm likely not alone in the way I view this product. When it was released there was a lot of talk about it on-line. Would it be light enough to wear daily under makeup? It's broad spectrum, high SPF (yes, higher than the SPF 30 many derms recommend for daily use, but that gives you a bit of leeway if you apply it too light one day), and many women just love the Neutrogena brand. (Yes, I'm one of them.)

So, did it live up to the expectations?

My Everyday Favorite, Go-To Products

It's been a really long time since I shared my "go-to" products with everyone. These are the things that I reach for in between product testings or when I'm having problems with new products. These are the ones I trust to set things back to "right" for me. You'll notice that some typical categories (such as body wash) are missing. That means I don't have 1 product I run back to over and over again.

Poolside Beauty: How I Waterproof

I am not the type of girl to go out without makeup. I need at least concealer, blush and mascara. I'm more comfortable with more. So, what to do when the place I'm going involves getting wet, and therefore losing most of that carefully applied makeup? Well... I do pare down some. But I also waterproof as much as possible.

When I was in Hawaii recently, I used these products everyday poolside. I'm sure that there are some alternatives, but I wanted to share these with you.

Secret Waterproof: This stuff really works. It survived all of my swims in the pool and kept me sweat free in the heat and humidity afterwards. I forgot it one day and used my regular Secret instead. I definitely noticed a difference! I'm taking this on all tropical vacations for now on.

Cover Girl LashBlast Waterproof: It works just as well as the original at lengthening and volumizing. It is most definitely waterproof, even if you rub your eyes and such (so, perfect for weddings). The only issue I can find is that it is very hard to remove. I've tried LashX Lash Cleanse, a few Neutrogena and Olay choices... Only Lancome seems to actually remove it, and even then it takes a few cotton rounds.

Smashbox Limitless Waterproof Eye Liner: This liner has it all. It applies easily, smudges well for the first minute or so, and then becomes waterproof. It completely stood up to everything without an issue. It removes easily with pretty much any eye makeup remover. It comes in an array of colors and even has a sharpener built into the cap!

Philosophy The Supernatural Creme Blush: Ok, yes, this is not waterproof. But, if you don't rub your cheeks it does seem to stay put despite swimming. The creme formula also makes it pretty easy to apply over your sunscreen.


I bought the LashBlast and Smashbox liner.
The Secret and Philosophy were samples.

J Lo's Wavy Hair: How to Get It

Whenever I see pictures of celebs at events, it is always the ladies with long wavy hair that have my favorite look. While there are a ton of ways to get this look (curling irons, flat irons, even hot rollers will work), Latrice Strader – Master Hair Stylist and Owner of Destiny De’Ve Salon & Spa (in Washington DC) provided some tips on how to achieve and maintain the perfect waves!

The “Right” Tools
There are a few different styling tools that will work well to achieve this loose wavy look. “A wand iron, barrel curling iron, Marcel curling iron, or even a flat iron will do the trick, providing tussled loose waves and ribbon curls,” says Latrice. You will want to use a larger barrel curling iron or flat iron for looser curls and separate smaller pieces to curl for more compact curls and waves, suggests Latrice.

Maintaining the ‘Do
To prevent this style from becoming flat and lifeless throughout the day, Latrice suggests using a leave-in serum, mousse, or styling gel to hold the style. “A light workable holding spray will also work great, and don’t forget to top the style with a finishing shine spray!” says Latrice. Sebastion, Moroccanoil, and Mizani hair products all carry a vast selection of these products for all hair types.

Lengthy & Luxurious Locks
“Hair extensions are a great way to add to more body and length to your natural hair,” says Latrice. For those looking to rock this look for an extended period of time, Latrice suggests having 100% human hair with no synthetic fibers sewn in. “Indian hair extensions are the hottest on the market right now,” says Latrice. With this hair, you have more flexibility. You can either wear it straight, or wear the texture you purchase, which can be wavy, curly, or body wave.

Destiny De’Ve Salon & Spa

A Conversation about Sunscreen with Coppertone's Dr. Elizabeth Hale

I thought this had auto-published with my Coppertone Sport review. Unfortunately, not the case.

Coppertone arranged for Dr. Elizabeth Hale to answer some sunscreen questions! Dr. Hale is a Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology at NYU. Dr. Hale specializes in skin cancer and in particular Mohs Surgery to treat skin cancer, so you know she has a huge interest in prevention with sunscreen!


What do you tell your patients about the importance of sunscreen?
In general, dermatologists urge everyone to wear a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher every single day. While UVB rays are the main cause of sunburn and are especially abundant in the warm summer months, UVA rays are present year-round and can pass through clouds and windows.

Does the release of this new sunscreen make advising your patients easier?
Absolutely, as an athlete myself CT Sport with Replenishing Antioxidants helps enhance the skin’s natural defenses against UV radiation during outdoor activity, which makes it a great choice for active patients.

In your mind, what are the most important features to look for in a sunscreen?
Broad-spectrum protection; UVA-blocking ingredients like photostabilized avobenzone on the label. The most important sunscreen is the one you will use every day.

In the event of a sunburn, what do you advise patients to do?
If you do slip up and get a sunburn, make sure to stay out of the sun until you have healed completely. I recommend taking an NSAID and keeping the skin moist with a good soothing moisturizer (maybe one with aloe) while it heals.