Ask The Readers
Sorry for the paucity of Vines this week; I’ve been putting out fires elsewhere and just haven’t gotten it together. (One of those “fires” is actually something fun: an interview with Jack Coleman, Heroes‘s “HRG,” on TWoP. If you watch the show, give it a listen.)
I’ll get a few letters up over the weekend. In the meantime, I need a couple of recommendations my own self:
Sunscreen. SPF 30 minimum, and it needs NOT TO RUN. I’m using Coppertone Sport right now, which is better than most, but it’s still only okay; I need one that does the job and stays put even under sweaty conditions, because I am a sweaty girl. I’m looking for a general lotion, not just for the face; price is no object if it really works; it can contain bronzer/self-tan elements but that isn’t preferred.
Scented tealights in bulk. Ikea has my favorites, but doesn’t make them available on the site, and I’m not driving to Jersey to get them. I don’t want a grody, “obvious” scent; I don’t want anything too expensive. No pillars, no shapes, no tacky candles in jars, no mulberry — subtly scented tealights that I can buy by the bag and not spend a mint.
Hit it.
Tags: Ask The Readers TV
As a total geek who sells Mary Kay because she is addicted to their products…I love the Mary Kay sunscreen line too (yes, I admit I am biased). I was using the Aveeno products before, but I sweat A LOT and they tended to run into my eyes. So far the Mary Kay has stayed out of my eyes even when I am dripping everywhere.
I discovered Murad waterproof sunscreen two years ago, and I love it — I’m very fair and my old sunscreens used to make me break out like crazy, but this stuff is fantastic. No sunburns, no breakouts. It’s a bit pricey but totally worth it if your skin is hyper-sensitive like mine.
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P43187&categoryId=C10473 (if the link doesn’t work, just go to Sephora.com and look up the Murad skincare line)
I’m an ultra-fair redhead (the no-freckles kind) who sweats overmuch. I am also prone to pimples if my skin is not very, very clean. I have used Neutrogena Healthy Defense oil-free 45 SPF (broad spectrum) for the last couple of years. You do have to re-apply if you go swimming or get some serious sweat going, but it lasts me through the day with one application. I’ve used so many brands and formulations, but this is the only one that gives me the protection I absolutely need and doesn’t mess with my skin.
I use Kinesys spf 30. It’s a spray on and even if you get it all over your hands, it’s not greasy in the least. It has a nice smell too, although that could be a problem if you’re around mosquitoes or blackflies. I buy it at Costco so it’s a good price.
befye, my family is loyal to No-Ad and it works okay for the body, but I’ve always found that it’s really bad for dissolving and running into my eyes when I sweat. YMMV, of course.
don’t know who makes ’em, but I got some lovely light scented tealights in my easter basket this year that are labelled “linen’ as the scent. and, tho they are light scented, they do help disguise the fact that I have 4 feline housemates.
I don’t think there is an Ikea in Queens but there is one in Nassau County, Hicksville, I think. Broadway mall.
One more vote for Neutrogena Dry-Touch SPF 45. My skin is really sensitive and really fair, plus I live in East Tennessee, where the temperatures are high and the humidity could be sliced with a knife. I started using this stuff a couple of years ago, even on my face, and I haven’t looked back.
I agree with the Nuetrogena recommendations for everywhere but the face. I am in love with Sonya Dakar products for the face, including the “365” sunscreen. Living in LA, I need something I can use every day, and this fits the bill. I had problems with my skin before starting to use her products, and now my skin glows! This sunscreen goes on like a light moisturizer and it doesn’t feel oily/greasy at all. Her products are on the pricey side, but definitely worth it, in my opinion.
I like Aveeno or Neutrogena spray ons (they come between 30-45, I use 45). I like them because they don’t feel greasy and I don’t smell like sun block, plus they’re easy to reapply and they dry really fast.
Check out Target. I got a bag of 100 vanilla tea lights (vanilla is my favorite, they have other scents) for under $5. Target also has candle sales every month or so
I have sworn by Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch SPF 45 for years, and I have tried just about every sunscreen under the… sun (heh). I think it’s meant for the face, but I use it everywhere. As for it separating, just give the tube a good shake or two before you squeeze it out, and that takes care of it for me.
The Body Cooling Misty stuff is lightweight, smells nice, and is incredibly easy to use, but I have gone through a can of the stuff in a day at the beach, and at $10 a pop, I can’t keep it up.
Gotta second Lisa’s recommendation for Headhunter; their surf screens always work really well for me. They make it in SPF 15 and SPF 30 (I have the 15, which always does a good job of preventing me from frying). Great stuff.
It’s amazing how high the SPFs are these days. I understand why, but it always makes me think of a line from Mad About You: “SPF 50?!? You squeeze this and a sweater comes out!” Hee.
Bath & Body Works has a good spray-on sunscreen in their “True Blue Spa” line called “Forever 29” and it’s SPF 29, and also keeps you looking 29, geddit? I thought it was clever. Anyway, I burn pretty easily, and I used it last summer when I was swimming at an outdoor pool a couple times a week. I never burned once; just had a light tan at the end of the season.
I love Neutrogena’s UltraSheer Dry-Touch Sunblock, SPF 55 because I am the whitest white to ever white.
I third, fourth, fifth, ad infinitum for Aveeno. The 30SPF (for faces – orangey color tube) smells lovely, and absorbs right in. I do have dry, just-turned-40 skin – so I can’t swear by the non-sweatiness.
I’m totally in the Neutrogena camp as well. I’ve been a fan of the Coppertone spray stuff in the past just because it’s so much easier than all that rubbing. But a few months ago, I had to go on a camping trip (don’t ask) and had the Coppertone spray in the same bag as other toiletries. Well, it turns out that the sunscreen couldn’t take the pressure in my bag and wound up spewing its contents all over the other toiletries. And dude, it dissolved my toothbrush. The bristles were gone, the head fell off after being reduced to a string of plastic. So I figure if it can do that to a toothbrush, it may not be the best stuff for one’s skin.
I’m currently using the Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 55 (they also make lower SPFs, but I got this in a 2fer at Costco) and I love it. http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=150735&catid=12101&trx=PLST-0-SEARCH&trxp1=12101&trxp2=150735&trxp3=1&trxp4=0&btrx=BUY-PLST-0-SEARCH
However, my all time favorite is the Coppertone Endless Summer Ultra Sheer Sunscreen. http://www.thisnext.com/item/98062C09/COPPERTONE-ENDLESS-SUMMER
It’s the one in the light blue/aqua colored bottle and it is SO much better than the Coppertone Sport. I can use it on my face and not break out, it really is sheer and pretty matte, and it is waterproof, etc. I break a sweat if I even think about walking, and this worked great for me.
It can be hard to find sometimes, and they also make a “faces” version, but this would be my rec.
One more vote for Neutrogena sheer dry-touch.
Another vote for Pier 1 tea lights. If you can get to a P1 outlet (I think there are 3 or 4 — one close to NYC I’m sure), you can find the discontinued scents by the gross for, like, free.
I sweat a lot, too (more than most men, even), so I always use sport-type sunblocks. Nothing else is worth a damn. On hiking trips I often use Banana Boat sport formula or Coppertone Sport. Banana Boat is just a wee bit pasty…so it’s slow to rub in, but also very slow to come off. When I’ve shared it with hiking friends it was less loved by the hairier members of the group. However, I can get through a long day of hiking on a good, thorough application. The tube is bright orange, so it’s easy to find at the bottom of a backpack.
Pier One Ginger Peach is a good idea.
You’re nominated for a bloggerschoice award – this is a great sight and the Vine needs to be recognized – plus Joe and the Hobe should get the acclaim they deserve.
Everyone go to bloggerschoiceawards.com to show the love.
Yet another recommendation of Neutrogena dry-touch sunblock; I’ve been using it for years in its varying formulae and strengths, and it’s never let me down.
Sunscreen. Ombrelle. Kid Formula. It’s a Loreal product.
I don’t know if it’s because it’s for kids but the damn stuff seems to last the whole day. But because it’s for kids, it’s mild on the skin and doesn’t smell obnoxious.
Walmart for tea lights. 3 bucks for 100, either unscented or a light vanilla scent. Good stuff.
I’m allergic to most sunscreens, but the one organic one I’ve found that doesn’t give me hives (a bonus in an of itself) is pretty excellent: J/A/S/O/N brand (easy to find at whole foods) – a little pricey, but definitely doesn’t run (I have played hours of tennis and it’s worked out), and it’s a denser lotion than your average sunscreen, and spreads well. Nice smell, too.
One more vote for Bullfrog sunscreens, especially the 45 superblock. I find I usually have to wash the stuff off with soap and water, even if I’ve been out hiking and sweating for hours.
I’d recommend two sunscreens for you – I was a lifeguard for a long time and probably tried every sunscreen known to man in the search for a sweatproof, 50%-of-the-day-minimum lifespanned, non-icky-or-stinky sunscreen. Check out Bullfrog (www.bullfrogsunscreen.com) or Blue Lizard (http://www.crownlaboratories.com/bluelizard/) sunscreens…they are fantastic, seemingly un-sweattable, and I’ve never had skin issues with them. I also used Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection on my face – it’s SPF 55 and though it’s a little pricey it’s definitely worth it…you can get it at Sephora.
I love the neutrogena products too, especially the Ultra Sheer Dry Touch SPF 45 and the SPF 30 Face Stick, but I recently found something new that I love…they’re called Shady Day Daily Sun Protection Wipes SPF 30, and they’re just what you’d think…sunscreen wipes. They’re not messy, not greasy, application is easy to control, and they’re perfect to travel with, since they’re not a liquid, so can’t spill, and can go in your carry-on luggage.
I used the Banana Boat Ultra Sunblock Continuous Clear Spray all last summer and it held up to the Southern Arizona heat really well. It dries fast and doesn’t run.
I’ve also used the Coppertone Dry Sport Sunscreen. It runs a lot less then other brands I’ve tried, but still a little when it gets around 100 or so.
As for candles, I buy mine at the grocery store. Do you have Fry’s in NYC?
Adding to the chorus of people who suggested Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch. It absorbs like crazy so much so that by the time you’re done applying it, it’s already dry, and it doesn’t have any unpleasant sticky feeling, which I always got with spray on Neutrogena products.
And hey, the fact that I burn my skin from just walking around in the sun for five minutes (living in Austin TX and insisting on walking if I can doesn’t help matters) means no SPF is too high for me…
A second vote for Rocky Mountain. I burn bright red. Not the pink that people mean when they say “Oh, I got sunburned so badly I look like a lobster”; I actually burn red, and I do so quickly. Rocky Mountain works well no matter what you’re doing – sweating, swimming, whatever, it works and I never notice that I’m wearing it. It lasts about twice as long as any other sunscreen (which for me is about three hours, but again, I have ridiculously sensitive skin. It works the entire day for my sister. and everyone else I know who uses it.)
It’s all about the Neutrogena. I use the 45 ultra sheer dry touch and it’s amazing. Isn’t sticky, absorbs quickly, no disgusting scent.
As far as candles, I used to work at Pier 1 so I’m a big supporter of their candles. They sell nice bulk bags of tealights for super cheap, and their simple glass tealight holders are really cheap too. When you find them on sale, it costs like a $1. It’s amazing.
Pier 1 has great candles and they aren’t too expensive. I’m very scent sensitive and normally all candles give me a massive headache. I’ve gotten some from there and haven’t had any difficulties. They do give off a nice subtle scent without being lit (also great for me as I don’t light them). Bed, Bath, and Beyond has super cheap candles, but I think they are scent heavy.
Leave it to the Swedes to get it right…
Try Dermatone, it comes in a little pot, it’s SOLID, and it’s AMAZING.
Hawaiian Tropic All Day Waterproof Sunblock 30 Plus
It really is waterproof for 6+ hours…my kids use it at day camp and do not come home burned despite being in the pool twice a day.
Definitely try the Bullfrog spray-on variety sunscreen. I have a version that also has insect repellent. It’s fantastic, but I generally don’t put it on my face. For the face I prefer Purpose SPF30 facial moisturizer. It’s freaking amazing, and this from a girl who hates stuff on her face.
Thanks for all the suggestions, guys!
Hey there, I live close to an Ikea in Seattle. I’ve gotten a lot of enjoyment out of your site if you want the Ikea tea lights, shoot me an email with an address and I’ll send you a couple of bags of ’em. It’s the least I can do with the amount of laughter your site has given me. I still think of a particular entry every time I get close to the dreaded last pair.
In case you’re still looking for sunscreen, I echo the recommendations for Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen with Helioplex. I have no idea what Helioplex is, but it was recommended by a dermatologist and I love it. Super-absorbent, very dry to the touch, and it lasts and lasts.
Bullfrog! Bullfrog Bullfrog!!
I am the sweatiest person EVAR (I tried that new Secret Clinical Strength Whatever deo-my pits LAUGHED at it) and it works great on me.
I recommend Cost Plus World Market for tea candles: they have your typical unobtrusive scents, by the bag, and are usually reasonably priced. 99cents Only stores (I don’t know if they have them there) almost always carry tealights, but you’ll probably never get the same scent twice.
For the sunscreen, Clinique makes their sunscreens in a lotion that’s not offensively scented and that gets absorbed by the skin quickly: hence, very little running. But I don’t remember if they do high SPFs. I agree that Bullfrog, though offensively scented, is the only thing that’s worked consistently: it even stays put when rubbed by a mask (scuba diving) and comes in insanely high SPFs.
Thanks for the laughs!
Banana Boat daily sunblock, SPF 50. It says ultra sheer but it’s nice and thick. I use it when I go for runs; I use it for every day protection. Plus, it’s cheap.
As someone who is obsessed with sunscreen, I have two thoughts:
(a) The next time your Toronto friends come down to see you (or you go up there), pick up Ombrelle products. Canadian sunscreen contains Mexoryl, which has only recently been approved by the FDA for sale in the US. However, Mexoryl has been in use for many years in Canada and Europe. Every time I visit my parents in Canada (I live in Santa Monica), I bring home tons of it. It is vastly superior in blocking UVA rays and there has been some controversy as to its unavailability in American products. It stays in place quite well.
http://www.cosmeticsdesign.com/news/ng.asp?id=69386-l-oreal-mexoryl-sunscreen-uva
(b) I also wear the oft-recommended Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch to work and even with oily skin I don’t look greasy.
I am well behind the times, but No-Ad gave my sister and I both full-body, miserably itchy hives.
It is entirely possible that we’re just genetic freakazoids, though.
I’m catching up on posts here, but I have to say Colorescience Sunforgettable. Totally clear, spf 30 and is a physical sunblock. Those chemical sunscreens are ROUGH on your skin (or mine, anyway). no smell, sweatproof, waterproof. Rocks! A bit spendy, but…
http://www.dermstore.com/long_colorescience_500030.htm
I also have to recommend Ombrelle sunscreens which, unfortunately, are only available in Canada. But if you can get someone to send you a package it is definitely worth it. I share your sweat problem, plus I have uber-sensitive skin, and Ombrelle neither runs nor gives me a rash. They have a sport line that’s great if you’re swimming or working out, and the regular stuff is good for general out of doors activity.