Top 5 Sun Protection Products

We all want to slow the aging process and keep our skin looking young and healthy for as long as possible. Avoiding significant sun exposure can certainly help in aging gracefully. But women aren't just concerned about the appearance of aging, we also want to avoid other damages that can be caused by sun exposure - like skin cancer. Sun protection is so important all year round, but even more so in the summer months when we seem to be outdoors in the sun more often. Here are a few great sunscreen suggestions for your face and body.

1. Aveeno Hydrosport sunblock spray — I prefer sunblock sprays because they make it easier to cover those hard to reach areas — like your back — and give a nice, even coverage. It also eliminates those streak marks that most rub-on lotions can cause if you don't blend in properly. This one by Aveeno can even be applied on wet skin. It is sweatproof and waterproof.

2. Neutrogena Dry-Touch sun block — sun sprays are wonderful, but if you're applying outdoors they may not work for you. If it is a windy day, for example, the product could go everywhere except on your skin. It's always a good idea to have a suncreen lotion handy in your beach bag. This one by Neutrogena is waterproof and doesn't leave your skin feeling oily.

3. Aveeno Positively Radiant daily moisturizer with SPF30 — it's important to moisturize your face daily and it's a good idea to have a moisturizer with a medium to high SPF. This moisturizer by Aveeno actually brightens up the complextion a bit while protecting you from the sun.

4. Clinique Solar Smart face cream with SPF30  — this is a waterproof facial sunscreen with a very light scent. It's a bit pricier than the other sunscreens mentioned here but it is not greasy or sticky, it doesn't leave behind that white cast that many sunscreens do, it doesn't have a strong scent like others have and a little goes a long way. This is part of Clinique's sun protection line of face and body products.

5. Banana Boat Kid's Sunblock Lotion tear free SPF50 —  if it's safe and gentle for kids then it's good enough for adults, right? 

These are just a few of the many brands and types of sunscreens out there. The main thing you want to look for in a sun protection product is that it has an SPF of 30 or higher and that it has both UVA and UVB protection.

My 5 Makeup Must Haves

If I could only choose five makeup products it would be these. This could certainly change as I discover new products but currently...these are my top five favs.

1. Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush in Peach Satin - peach blushes look good on all skin types and I love this cream blush because it goes on smooth and looks more glowy and natural than powder blushes.

2. Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse Foundation - I've been using this foundation for over a year now and really love it. My shade is Classic Ivory. It has great coverage, smooth look and feel and doesn't feel heavy on my skin. I only wish it were a little more long wearing. I definitely recommend setting with a powder. My favourite powder to combine with it is the Maybelline Dream Matte Powder.

3. Revlon Age Defying Concealer - I'm still on the hunt for the perfect concealer but this is my favourite drugstore concealer that I've tried so far. I'm cursed with dark circles under my eyes and they're hard to hide. Suggestions for a great concealer are welcomed! :)

4. L'Oreal Bare Naturale Lip Conditioner in Soft Blush - This moisturizing lip product is a sheer light pink that leaves your lips looking healthy and shiny. It's a great natural, everyday wear that doesn't feel sticky on your lips.

5. CoverGirl Lash Blast Mascara - Best mascara EVER! It lengthens your lashes and also makes them fuller and  thicker. Doesn't smudge, doesn't clump, and isn't a pain to remove at the end of the day. What more could you ask for in a mascara?


What are YOUR top five makeup must haves? Leave them in the comment section below!

Heart to Heart: Modesty Is Always Beautiful

Beth Moore delivers a powerful message of truth about modesty and self-worth in the following video clip. She does a great job of bringing understanding that our heart should be exposed for the world to see, not our bodies.



We as women need to examine our motives and our intent for the way we dress. Is our goal to show the grace and beauty of womanhood? To reveal a humble heart devoted to Christ? OR is our goal to draw attention to ourselves and to flaunt our beauty....or worse....to attempt to lure men sexually? Our wardrobe is a public statement of our personal motivation.

Ladies, what are you more noticed for? Your clothes....or your heart? What are you known for...fashion or grace? What is most eye catching about you...your clothing or your character?

A modest heart always precedes a modest dress.

Things I'm Lovin': Nude Pumps

A pair of nude colored heels is a staple for any woman's wardrobe. They go with any outfit and can give a very classic and sophisticated feel. Not to mention they make your legs look a million miles long! :) Here are a few different styles of nude pumps and some of my favourite ways to wear them.

1. Forever21
2. Kristen Bell
3. Jessica Simpson
4. BCBG
5. Ralph Lauren
6. Christian Louboutin wedges
7. Nine West
8. Shock Boutique
9. Target (this is the pair I own and I LOVE them!)
10. L.A.M.B. Crepes
11. Steve Madden
12. Jimmy Choo

 

all photos were found on google images

Outfit Of The Day: Orange and Turquoise

This is probably one of my favourite summer outfits. I love the bright colors and classy feel of this look. I'm a huge fan of turquoise and I think these accessories combined with the orange skirt really makes for a fun, vibrant outfit that's perfect for summer.

*all items were purchased at H&M

Classy Cues:

• choose skirts and dresses that hit below or slightly above the knee
• wear wide sleeve tanks as opposed to spaghetti straps
• layer sheer tops to prevent exposed undergarments
• stay away from form fitting clothes that leave little to the imagination
• avoid low cut tops that will distract from your face

Heart to Heart: True Beauty

Did you know that only 2 percent of women would describe themselves as beautiful? Are you in that small sampling? Society has given us a very narrow definition of beauty.

What exactly is beauty? The Dove Campaign asked women and found that:

• Seventy-seven percent strongly agree that beauty can be achieved through attitude, spirit, and other attributes that have nothing to do with physical appearance.
• Eighty-nine percent strongly agree that a woman can be beautiful at any age.
• Eighty-five percent state that every woman has something about her that is beautiful.

 Interestingly, the study found that two-thirds of women strongly agree that physical attractiveness is about how one looks, whereas beauty includes much more of who a person is. Women rate happiness, confidence, dignity, and humor as powerful components of beauty, along with the more traditional attributes of physical appearance, body weight and shape, and even a sense of style.

We must remind ourselves that beauty is not defined by a number on the scale, an hourglass shape, washboard abs, slender thighs, a big chest, a pair of designer low-rise jeans, a cleavage-baring top, a new sassy haircut, a clear complexion, or a surgical procedure. While these things may grab some attention from men, it doesn't impress God in the least. It is dangerous and unhealthy to define our value based on our physical attractiveness to men or the world. Physical beauty will fade over time, true beauty (virtue) is timeless.

There is nothing wrong with wanting to look nice or dress nice but so many of us have been brainwashed by society's definition of beauty. Watch this behind-the-lies video for an eye-opening view of the world's perception of beauty.



This kind of false advertising, and quite frankly false beauty, portrays unachievable standards for women. Too often girls go to extreme measures to be "perfect" and sometimes those extreme measures end in suicide or death from unhealthy habits like drugs and eating disorders all because they feel ugly compared to these so-called, "perfect" girls. This unrealistic view of beauty can also lead to women entering into bad relationships simply for validation.

The battlefield is within our minds but peace can be achieved within our hearts. We have taken these images of magazine model women as reality but we must remind ourselves that these images are NOT real. We need to stop "chasing perfect" because it's not a place any of us can really get to and we must work to not get caught up in the lies and distortion that will only lead to immense dissatisfaction in our lives.

You are beautiful and loved exactly as you are. Don't let another human being be in charge of your security. Say goodbye to insecurity and begin to embrace YOU because after all, there is only one you - no one else in this world can ever be you so enjoy that uniqueness because you are the only one who can.

Start focusing on being virtuous and helping others to discover their true beauty of virtue and I guarantee you will feel more beautiful than you ever have in your life!