spiffy SPF

It seems one can't go three minutes without hearing the phrase "Can you wait for spring break?" pop out of someone's excited mouth. Yes, we all are excited about that one week a year when we can have fun, party, relax, or just catch up on some zzz's.

Those who are lucky enough to jet off to some warm-weather locale need to be serious about one thing: sun protection. Not only does the sun's rays cause skin cancer, but it also adds wrinkles and prematurely ages skin (yikes!)

For those days when you have slathered on your sunscreen and slipped into a cute new bathing suit, grabbing a powder like this Colorescience Foundation w/Brush - All Even (SPF 20)helps to not only shield you from those aging UVA and UVB rays with SPF, but also give a fresh look to the skin thanks to light-reflecting minerals.

The texture of the powder is unbelievable, silky and smooth and not at all chalky. After the powder sets, it is virtually unnoticeable and long-lasting, and the light-reflecting particles give the skin a beautiful, natural glow. On top of that, the handy brush is extremely portable and small, making it a great addition for any smart space saver.

So whether or not you hit the beach or are happy with re-runs of Grey's Anatomy, you can keep your face clean, fresh, and protected.

Me Vs. Myspace

Ok, ok, I admit it. I love MySpace. And yes, I have one that I check obsessively. I mean, who doesn't? MySpace has never been more popular. It seems now that everyone and their grandmother has a MySpace.

Although this cultural phenomenon is a great way to check up on your friends and post hilarious comments on their profiles, this has also opened up a whole closet full of problems, mainly as a result of the extremely...harsh clarity of digital cameras. You may not have oily skin, but sometimes the light will reflect onto your face and create a rather unpleasant effect. Advanced, yes, flattering, no.

And so if you are like me, you want your skin to look flawless, especially on camera. Smashbox delivers yet again with their famous Smashbox Photo Finish. This is a classic staple of makeup and should be in everyone's makeup bag. Smoothed on before foundation or tinted primer, it makes your skin look ten times better than it actually is. Thanks to the amazing blend of vitamins and antioxidants, this makes your skin look and feel silkier and creates a flattering matte effect. If you were a painter, this would make your skin the perfect canvas.

So bring it on digital cameras. And when the light flashes, I will shine, not my skin.


Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer To Go: $15.50 at http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P88003&shouldPaginate=true&categoryId=3990

Tinted Love

Okay so I am a firm anti-foundation person. I hate putting on cakey makeup, it makes me feel (1) old or (2) like a vegas showgirl (in the worst way possible!)

And so I am in love with tinted moisturizer. But the object of my affection is not just any tinted moisturizer, but Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free. Yes, the famous tinted moisturizer. This product has always had quite a cult following, and I had been dying to try it. Not only does it flawlessly even out my complection, but it keeps the shine down, all without depriving my skin of moisture and providing spf 20. Wheh! That is one way over-achieving moisturizer! Now if only I could be an over achieving-student...

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free $40 at http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P140906&categoryId=C12210