Revenge of the Curves

Secret Weapon: MD SolarSciences Mineral Screen Tinted Gel SPF 30+

I am still surprised by the number of  people who need to be convinced to use sunscreen in this day and age.   We are more likely to die of melanoma (like Bob Marley), the deadliest form of skin cancer, because it is more likely to develop undetected.

Cancer worries notwithstanding, my vanity has made me a regular sunscreen user for the better part of twenty years now.  I have my staples, but I am always happy to try something new.  I usually avoid any sunscreen that contains titanium dioxide (aka "black girl's kryptonite) but I was pleasantly surprised with the selection from MD SolarSciences.  I was introduced to the brand and its creator, Dr. Bob Friedman, at a luncheon a few weeks ago, and I immediately took a liking to the smooth, non-greasy formulas that had the added bonus of not making my chocolate brown skin ashy.   The secret (especially with the tinted formula) is to apply with tiny dots and rub in carefully and slowly with your fingertip.  I followed with Bobbi Brown's new Extra Repair Foundation SPF 25 and was able to go out in broad daylight without the dreaded "mask" look.   I've also been dabbing a little bit of the Mineral Screen Tinted Gel (below) on my hand and arm as I drive since the sun is showing signs of sticking around. Finally. 

MD SolarSciences Mineral Screen Tinted Gel SPF 30 $24.00. Mineral Screen Gel SPF 30 $29.50.

Beauty Secret: DDF Blemish Foaming Cleanser

It started with DDF's Acne Tackle Box.  I wanted to get rid of some persistent acne I was having for a few weeks and I selected it because I love DDF's Sulfur Therapeutic Mask and I figured that I would, at the very least, have a nice little sample of it if the rest of the products didn't work out for me.  The other products in the kit were fine (except the Daily Matte SPF 15 UV Moisturizerwhich left an unfortunate white cast on my brown face.  The culprit? Titanium Dioxide. If you are brown and you see  than 0.2% in the ingredients... try something else.) 

The  Blemish Foaming Cleanser is just right for me. It cleans my face well without drying it out and the blemishes I wanted to get rid of went away with no added irritation.  Another bonus for me - a little goes a long way.  The sample size lasted for nearly a month (which helped me give it a fair shot) and the full-size is lasting even longer.  In these penny-pinching recession days, every little bit counts.

DDF-Doctor's Dermatologic Formula Blemish Foaming Cleanser 6.7 oz, $32.00.

Beauty Secret: Maybelline Pulse Perfection Vibrating Mascara

I have to say, I was in no hurry to try this.

Last year, several "vibrating" mascaras went on the market and I thought, I am not putting that thing near my eye!  And, I'm not a big fan of fancy, schmancy mascara.  If you read this site, you know that I am a fancy schmancy kinda girl, but not when it comes to mascara.  Or pantyhose.  Or eyeliner.  So, when I had a chance to try Maybelline's forthcoming Pulse Perfection Vibrating Mascara, I was skeptical.  And a $15 Maybelline mascara? Really?

Yes, really.  I applied the brush to my lash, pushed the button (7,000 vibrations per minute in 7 synchronized actions according to Maybelline) and I had the look of 5-10 perfect strokes of standard mascara in one shot.  Of course, I did two or three shots out of habit, but that's all you really need because the mascara coats and defines your lashes rather quickly.  I also applied it a few times on the subway and on the bus, and I am happy to report that it looked good - and I didn't put my eye out!

Pulse Perfection will not be available until July, but the battery lasts a minimum of 130 applications or just over four months - which means I'm good until the end of summer.

How about you?   Have you ever tried any "vibrating" mascara?  What did you think of it?

Beauty Secret: Smoky Eyes and Matte Lips

I was chatting with a friend recently who told me that she had no idea how to do smoky eyes.  It's not as hard as you think and I think this video is pretty helpful if you need a few tips.